Pony Express Rider Brass Sign Plaque

SIGN, that is a solid brass raised Pony Express rider and route map. The brass sign is mounted on stained wood and measures 8 inches long by 5 inches wide. It reads "Pony Express 1860 1861 St. Joe to Sacramento". The purpose of the Pony Express  was to provide the fastest mail delivery between St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California. As well as, to draw public attention to the central route in hope of gaining the million dollar government mail contract for the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company. An advertisement for riders in a California newspaper read: "Wanted. Young, skinny, wiry fellows. Not over 18. Must be expert riders. Willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred." Most riders were around 20 and the youngest was 11 with the oldest being in his mid-40s, not many were orphans and they usually weighed around 120 pounds.