B1801s

Christmas

Christmas Tree

Fred Collins Signature

Collins Cover Announcement 

CHRISTMAS

Contemporary Tree Design

Collectors often write me and refer to COLLINS cachets as "miniature works of art". This cover can certainly fit into that category.

Old Man Winter has come to a secluded forest. A pale, full moon reigns supreme in the blue night sky. Across the face of the moon, wisps of smoke silently ascend upward. Their source is a chimney from a snug and picturesque log cabin, and one can imagine the roaring fire that offers warmth and comfort from the cold night air.

Earlier, father and child had set off in search of the holiday tree. Expected back before nightfall, those in the cabin anxiously await their return. Delayed by the slow pace of walking in the snow while carrying the tree, the two are now just a short distance from their cheery home. Down a hill, across a foot bridge spanning a frigid mountain brook and up the path to the familiar front door. Home. Glowing lights from the windows and the smoke drifting across the moon spur the pair on toward their cozy homecoming.

The scene is not to go unobserved. For on an opposite hill, a family of deer watch silently. Soon they will fade into the trees, the cabin lights will go out, and the fire will diminish to glowing embers. All will be quiet and still.

This hand-painted cachet is done in a watercolor technique that is beautiful. It brings to life the forest night and the story related above. I am proud to offer this Christmas COLLINS.

The stamp has an Evergreen, Colorado First Day bullseye postmark. The red color contrasts beautifully with the night colors of the "entire" hand-painted cachet. A nice, seasonal FDC. Item #B1801. $8.50.