L501

Transportation

Locomotive - 1870s

Collins Cover Announcement 

2c LOCOMOTIVE

Right off let me give credit for this cover to collector Jim Nelson of Topeka. Jim addised me of the availability of the pictorial cancel and as a result I believe a truly outstanding First Day Cover was made.

First, the covers were taken to Chicago where a pair of the locomotive stamps and a U.S. flag stamp (to meet postage requirements) were hand canceled "First Day of Issue", Then the covers were flown to Topeka where Jim met them and took them to the local Post Office for the unofficials. This FANTASTIC pictorial unofficial shows a locomotive like the one on the stamp. It is large, clear and a dandy. It says "Sante Fe Room, Topeka, Kansas" and the detail of engine is great. This cancel is used on an additional pair of the locomotive stamps plus a second flag stamp.

The hand painted cachet shows a train being pulled by a similar engine. It is very colorful with gray smoke billowing into a cloud-filled sky. Railroads are a favorite topical and this cover with attractive stamps, great pictorial and well executed cachet is sure to be popular. It is truly an "Americana" type cover and the flag stamps give it a final touch of eye-catching color. If you want it, order soon to avoid missing out as I think it will go fast.

Item No. L501 - $5.75

Autumn 2019 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 13 L501 — Locomotive — 1870's — 5/20/82

This stamp from the Transportation Series has become very sought after on first day covers. After getting a pair canceled in first day city Chicago, it was on to Topeka. It was there that a jumbo, magnificent locomotive pictorial first day postmark tied a second pair to the envelope. In both cities, a flag stamp was added to meet postal requirements. To put this railroad cover over the top, the hand painted cachet is crisp and wonderful with a bright red border that is the perfect touch. Don't pass this one up. It is a Collins knock-out!