E1801C

Make-Up Rate

This Stamp + 25c Stamp = "F" Rate

Make-up Stamp + 25c Beau Geste Stamp

Collins Cover Announcement 

"Make-Up" Stamp

On January 22, 1991 the Postal Service issued a somewhat unique stamp. It did not have a pre-determined value but rather would be used along with twenty-five cents in postage to meet whatever the new First Class rate was set at. In other words, it would "make up" the difference between old and new rates. As it turned out, the difference was four cents.

Since it was commonly referred to as the "make-up" stamp, that was the direction I decided to pursue for my cachet design. Three clowns all in performance makeup, give this hand-painted COLLINS a colorful and light-hearted apearance. The clown in the center foreground applies the finishing touches to his face using a cosmetic mirror while two companions with makeup completed peer over his shoulder. The title text is hand painted also which adds a nice subtle touch.

Due to its intended use, I had to affix a twenty-five cent stamp to go along with the new one. The Classic Film stamps offered the perfect companions since they featured famous actors and actresses. And, these legends of the giant screen certainly used much makeup during their illustrious careers. The large and colorful film stamp also adds interest and visual content to the cover.

Both stamps are tied to the cover with a bullseye Day of Issue cancel. The straight-forward text format of the new stamp allowed me to "make up" this unusual COLLINS cover. Circus clowns in "makeup" is a play on words and meanings which results in a most attractive cachet. By using the Classic Film stamps to meet the first class rate, it further plays on the "make-up" theme while adding a nice touch to the over-all

appearance.

This FDC has the potential for a quick sell-out so get your order in fairly soon so you won't have to "make up" an excuse for missing it. Item #E1801. $8.50.