U1701s

Canoe & Micronesia Flag

Fred Collins Signature

Collins Cover Announcement 

MICRONESIA AND MARSHALL ISLANDS 

In 1986, the "Compact of Free Association" was enacted granting political independence to the peoples of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands. President Reagan signed the Micronesian Treaty into law on January 14, 1986 and the Marshall Islands' Treaty went into effect October 21 of that year. These were former Japanese territories which after World War II the United Nations granted the United States the right to administer.

For my "entire" hand-painted cachets, I chose the theme of tropical island paradises. The Marshall Island cover has a quiet lagoon surrounded by sandy beaches and lush, tropical vegetation. A three-masted ship is anchored in this peaceful sanctuary. A long boat, dispatched from the ship, is approaching shore. The men no doubt are anxious to set foot on land and perhaps make contact with the native population. A Pacific sunset bathes the whole scene in golden glows and lavendar shadows. After picking up the stamps in Washington, D.C., it was up the Atlantic coast to obtain a great and appropriate unofficial postmark, "Ocean View", NJ. The stamp, cancel, and cachet all combine to make this a fine FDC. Item #V1701. $8.50.

For the Micronesia stamp I continued along the same island paradise theme. For this hand-painted cachet, done in vertical format, an alluring young native maiden sits amid tropical ferns and flowers. A blanket of darkness has descended on the island and light is provided by two romantic beacons -- a full moon and a flaming torch. Her dress is simple -- a flowered print sarong. A brigntly colored lei rests around her neck. More flowers are present in her hairpiece and wristlets. The colors are in harmony with the live flowers growing nearby. A tropical night mood is captured in this COLLINS cachet and you will be pleased to have it in your collection.

These stamps were also purchased in Washington on Day of Issue and traveled up the coast. A fine cancel from Sea Isle City, NJ makes this a wonderful FDC. The magenta postmark is of the same color as the flowered dress making for nice coordination.

A "Sea Isle" glimpse at a moonlit Pacific evening where you can almost feel the gentle palm breezes and experience the exotic aroma from the abundant flowers. Unusual and different. 

Item #U1701. $8.75.