O401

American Bicentennial

Battle of Virginia South Capes

Spring 2020 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 9 O401 — Battle of the Virginia Capes — U.S.S. DeGrasse variety (10-16-81)

This exceptionally early Collins is the only cover I've ever done to have a first day cancel obtained on board a U.S. Navy ship, which makes it a very unique item for your collection. The ship is the USS DeGrasse which is named in honor of the French Admiral whose blockade of Yorktown, Virginia, helped secure the surrender of Cornwallis to Washington. The "U.S. Navy — USS DeGrassse" day of issue postmark (a Collins exclusive — no others exist) is fabulous and, as if that was not enough, there is also a large, magenta rubber stamp cachet from the ship's post office showing the "coat of arms" of the USS DeGrasse. It adds a magnificent touch of philatelic history to this wonderful Collins First Day Cover. Also on the cover is a second single Virginia Capes stamp with the official Yorktown, Virginia first day postmark. The hand painted cachets shows British and French ships under full sail engaging in cannon fire at close range. I am proud to have produced for our hobby a cover of this high philatelic caliber.