A2001

World Columbian Stamp Expo

Columbus Announcing His Discovery

Collins Cover Announcement 

WORLD COLUMBIAN STAMP EXPO '92 

This single stamp was the first Columbus issue by the United States to be released in 1992 -- the Five Hundredth Anniversary year of the first voyage. Wanting to set a solid tone for my COLLINS Columbus First Day Covers that would come later in the year, I took special care to ensure that this cover would have all of the elements of a prime collectible.

A marvelous "entire" hand-painted cachet, an actual "related" Day of Issue postmark and fancy "Old World" style type combine with the new stamp to form a fine COLLINS. Chosen for the issue city was Des Plaines, Illinois (Rosemont), site of the World Columbian Stamp Exposition. Wanting to give this project a nice philatelic boost, I decided to obtain a Columbus, Ohio cancellation on the First Day. Thus, after obtaining the stamps on issue date, it was a quick jaunt eastward to the Buckeye State, and there a very nice Columbus postmark made the covers being offered now a reality.

The hand-painted cachet shows a harbor scene in great detail. Columbus has come down to the wharf to observe the sea-going ships and ponder as to what lies beyond the horizon. The port is a beehive of activity. Crews load and unload. Kegs, boxes, and other cargo lay stacked on the docks. Ships of varying size and description are moored nearby or sail in the distance. Spires and rooftops of the city crowd close to the water's edge and share their lofty positions with rigging, furled sails, flags and banners of the harbor's ships. One has to wonder if Columbus is aware of the hustle and bustle around him or if his mind has escaped the present and is already under full sail to unknown destinations.

I certainly recommend you not miss this cover. All COLLINS Columbus items produced in 1992 will prove to be very popular in the hobby. With the Postal Service making "Christopher Columbus" the cornerstone of this year's program, enough material has been generated to ensure that the 500th Anniversary of his voyage and landing will always be of active interest to present stamp and cover collectors as well as to those that will follow us. A quick sell-out is a distinct possibility, so do obtain at least one now. A higher marketplace value is sure to follow.

The World Columbian Stamp Expo stamp tied to the cover with a Columbus First Day postmark obtained on issue date. A view of an Old World seaport before Europe knew of North and South America. Columbus gazing beyond the near-by ships to the great Atlantic Ocean and the mystery of unchartered waters and lands. A fine FDC five centuries later. 

Item #A2001. $10.50.