O1801s

Harriet Quimby

Pioneering Aviator

Fred Collins Signature

Collins Cover Announcement 

HARRIET QUIMBY

This fifty-cent airmail stamp provided the opportunity for a really special First Day Cover.

A true aviation pioneer, Harriet was the first American woman to be issued a pilot's license. She was also the first woman to cross the English Channel via a solo flight and this was accomplished on April 16, 1912.

The hand-painted cachet is a beauty. Most of it is devoted to a scene showing her in flight as she takes off across the Channel. She is attired in her purple flying suit which became a personal trademark. This part of the cachet is enough in itself to make this a fine FDC. But with "Desert Storm" recently concluded I thought Harriet would appreciate a tribute to another first by American women pilots. During the military action, it was the first time women flew combat support missions (mostly helicopters) and a portion of the cachet is dedicated to the women pilots of

"Desert Storm".

Finally, the large pictorial cancel is a special one showing a dove with olive branch. This actual day of issue postmark was obtained by traveling to Michigan. It is a beauty and you had to be there to get it, so not very many FDCs will have it. Your COLLINS does. It is especially appropriate since peace was achieved with relatively few U.S. and Allied casualties.

An interesting cover that tells a nice story. Item #O1801. $9.50.