C1103s

Fish

Muskellange &  Catfish

Fred Collins Signature

Collins Cover Announcement 

FISH 

Tuna               Catfish 

Atlantic Cod          Muskellunge

This two-cover set completes my effort for the very popular five-stamp Fish booklet pane. There were two fresh water and two salt water varieties, so I developed an interesting design for the cachet -- each fish has its own cachet....but, the two cachets on each cover are coordinated so that they "fit" together. Has to be seen.

The colors for this lovely twosome came out just right. The Catfish and Muskie are in a very nice shade of aqua water -the large Catfish swimming through some vegetation and the fearsome Muskellunge lurking along the bottom. The two respective stamps are, of course, used on the cover. On the salt water cover, a dark blue Tuna is set against a brilliant blue sea, and the contrast definitely holds the attention of the viewer. On the same cover, a pair of Atlantic Cod cruise near the ocean's floor with vivid plant life set off against the sea-green water. Again, the two appropriate stamps are used on this cover. These two covers are ones I'm very happy to offer, and, besides COLLINS collectors, those individuals with a love of nature will enjoy them. (Just a note: C1101 at $7.50 is still available -- this cover features, a huge, leaping Largemouth Bass and I've received numerous compliments from collectors who have seen it. If needed, do consider it before it is gone from stock. I realize you may already have it on order in which case it will be in your next shipment.)

The unofficial cancels for the Fish covers are a good example of how I travel in order to produce FDCs that are truly fine collectibles. In this case, my journey was across the entire nation. In Seattle, I discovered that the stamps were going to be released at 8 a.m. (1/2 hour earlier than at Post Office) at the Annual National Convention of the American Wildlife Society at the Sheraton. I arrived early, looked at the wonderful displays, talked to some really interesting wildlife photographers and artists and at 8 a.m. was the only cachetmaker purchasing the stamps. I realize that it is only a very small footnote in your COLLINS collection, but it is interesting for you to know that these wildlife stamps were issued at the Wildlife Society's Convention on their First Day.

Summer 2023 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 24 C1102 and C1103 — Fish — (Two-cover lot) — 3-21-86

A two-cover set that features four fish — tuna, cod, catfish, and muskellunge. After acquiring the stamps in Seattle, it was off to Lakebay, Washington for a super first day postmark — a Collins exclusive! C1102 features salt-water fish tuna and cod. The hand painting is superb. The C1103 shows a big whiskered catfish and a big muskie. For collectors who enjoy wildlife art, these two covers are awesome.