Fake & Reproduction Wells Fargo Items

"Wells Fargo & Co." is a name that strongly evokes the drama and romance of the early American West. Modern-day collectors, drawn to this history, eagerly pursue Wells Fargo artifacts, and this in turn has led to an explosion of counterfeits. Sad to say, with the number and variety of recently made reproductions marked "Wells Fargo" or "W.F. & Co.", this great American institution may become better known for the number of fake items associated with its name than for its rich and colorful history.

The best defense that a collector can take against this problem is a healthy skepticism combined with a knowledge of reported fakes. KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BUYING!! Some sellers may offer counterfeits in all innocence, but others may be intentionally trying to deceive. Don't rely on the "story" that a seller gives you about the history of an item. Some of the wildest and most colorful tales have been told by sellers to back up their claim that their items are authentic. Also, consider that brass items are easily darkened and "weathered" with acid to give them an old, genuine-looking black or green finish.

The following information on known or suspected fakes and reproductions has been obtained from various sources judged to be knowledgeable and accurate. The information is presented with "honest intentions"; however we cannot guarantee complete accuracy, so please use this information as advisory only -- see Disclaimer

Above: Four fake Wells Fargo badges.

Below is a list of items that have recently turned up in the antiques market.

Hand Cuffs. Stamped "W F & Co" on the cuff and the keys, both made of iron and cheaply made; given a rusted appearance by the makers; uses the type of lock that takes a "screw key"; key screws in to unlock the cuff.
Brass "Body Tag". Another fantasy item, supposedly issued to accompany a body when it was shipped by Wells Fargo. Some of these have had acid applied to give them an old dark patina.
Brass door or "push" plate. Shows a route map of the stage line.;gives shipping info. Also some have been doctored with acid to give an old appearance.
Breast badges. Various shapes and markings -- see photos on this page. On Wells Fargo badges, JDM sent in the following: " According to the Wells Fargo History Room, WF&Co never issued ANY breast badges at all. There were WF&Co "Messenger" hat badges that resembled railroad conductor hat badges, but no shields or stars, and certainly no "Special Agent" badges with pins on the back. Please note that the Wells Fargo Bank did issue a commemorative badge in 1976. It has a stage coach on the front, and is well marked on the back as being a commemorative. There were also several thousand "Wells Fargo Agent" badges that were designed and manufactured in the 1960s, and given away as souvenirs, usually when a new bank branch was opened. These "Agent" badges have been extensively copied, and appear on eBay regularly, usually offered as "authentic" or "original" WF&Co badges." [Thanks to JDM]
Brass match or business card "safes". Small brass cases, a little smaller than a cigarette pack. These have a shield applied to the side marked "Property of Wells Fargo Express, Nevada City". Also with same mark except from Denver City. A Sidenote:This item has also turned up marked Adams Express Company, New York.
Leather items. Holsters, gun belts, ammo belts, money satchels, etc. Anybody can take a stamp and mark an old leather item "W F & CO" and instantly turn it into an "authentic" Wells Fargo item. These have recently turned up in the antique market, some bringing big money.
Brass bell. Marked "Wells Fargo Stage Line Cripple Creek" on a square tag that has been soldered on.
Brass oil lamp. Marked "Wells Fargo Stage Line Cripple Creek" on a square tag that soldered on the base.
Reward posters (1875) and other posters
Embossed brass heartshaped lock. Marked on the keyhole cover "W F & Co." in raised letters. See photo at bottom of page.
Bowie knife. The knife is about 16 inches long including the handle and always has "Property of Wells Fargo & Co.s Express Official US Mail Knife" etched on the blade. Many of these have been offered in internet auctions for up to $650. The descriptions are very convincing and several have sold to unknowing knife collectors.
Axes, knives, etc. Jim Bartz, well-known Wells Fargo author and expert, says the following: "WF did not own or issue any fire axes as company or personal property. Period. All so-called WF tomahawks, knives, axes, and other cutlery are fakes."
Strongbox. A metal box marked "Property of Wells Fargo Express Strong Box No. 375".

In addition to the above, a variety of items marked Wells Fargo and Company "San Francisco Division", "PROPERTY OF WELLS FARGO & CO EXPRESS S.F. DIVISION" , or "Wells Fargo & Co. Express Tombstone Arizona Territory" have recently appeared. This marking is always on a small brass shield shaped "plate" that is soldered on the item. ALL items with this mark are recently made fantasy items. Technically they can't be called reproductions, since Wells Fargo never issued authentic items with this mark to be "reproduced". Below is a list of items found with this phony mark:

Brass spittoon or cuspidor, weighted bottom, may have soldered tag or embossed marking;
Large iron lock;
10 inch tall brass oil lamp;
14 inch tall candle lamp with brass base and brass top;
Brass telescope;
Brass hanging oil lamp;
Leather money bag;
Watch fob (the shield by itself with a small loop at top for the strap);
Match or business card safe made of brass.

Due to the cheap quality of these items, the shield apparently comes off easily, and certain enterprising individuals have resoldered it onto other items to make them instant Wells Fargo "antiques". These items include: A trumpet, brass scales, and a rifle where the shield was applied to the wood stock (this item sold for over $1500 !!).

Shown below are some of the many Wells Fargo fakes that have been reproduced.
	Closeup of tag on the candlestick at left.

Similarly, the items show at below -- silver bars and a strongbox tag -- are all fakes. Wells Fargo items have been reproduced and counterfeited to such an extent that the issue is even discussed on the Wells Fargo Bank website. Update: In early 2008 in response to a thread on our Q&A board, an archivist from the Wells Fargo Company sent the following with regard to the brass "map" plaques, an example of which is shown at far right above: " They are Fakes.They first appeared in the early 1970s in the Deane & Adams catalogue, an English firm that sold Western (including Wells Fargo) fantasy items as authentic nineteenth century antiques -- belt buckles, mirrors, etc. As to the routes, stagecoaches tended to run east and west, taking gold bullion out and money back. The map on this plaque shows the route of Highway 49 -- a historic route for automobiles that was developed in the 1920s."

The "logo" shown at far right has been reported on a number of different fake items. The logo itself is a not authentic.

The logo at right was stamped in leather and showed up on a fake saddlebag. Click on the image for a larger version.

The metal plate shown at right is a new reproduction and has been affixed to a metal box. Click on the image for a larger version.

A fake lock and badge are shown below.

Beyond knowing about reported fakes, studying authentic items is the best way to learn how to recognize the real thing when you see it. A guide book called "Company Property" by James Bartz has been published on items used by Wells Fargo and Company. Over 500 authentic items are pictured with a description and value. We do not have an update on availability.

Our special thanks to Dan Allen, Jim Bartz, Tim Van Dyk, and Tom Stranko who contributed information and/or photos.

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