U2002

Eagle and Shield

Red Postage Fee

Subscriber-Only Edition

Collins Cover Announcement 

Eagle and Shield - ATM Stamp - Red Type

Subscriber-Only Limited Edition

This is the second 1992 limited-edition cover produced for subscribers only. For the topic of this cover I've chosen the American bald eagle because it is a favorite subject for many collectors. Also, the different color-type used on the stamps afforded the opportunity to provide subscribers not only with a distinct COLLINS cachet design but also a separate stamp variety used just on this cover.

For the Day of Issue postmark I chose the town of Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. It would fit perfectly with my dramatic hand-painted cachet that captures a bald eagle in full flight. Behind him, rugged mountian peaks provide a panoramic view and far below him the surfaces of several mountain lakes shimmer with reflected sunlight. In fact, the whole scene basks in the golden glow of the late afternoon sun. From the upper left corner of this cachet to the lower right, the wingspan of this majestic bird is spread tip to tip. As you view this special COLLINS, you will stare the eagle eye-to-eye and appreciate the meaning of wild and free.

I want to take this opportunity to share the contents of a letter I received from a subscriber dated December 15, 1992. First, let me thank all of you who continue to send letters and notes of encouragement, praise and support. In this particular letter the collector says I "breached an ethical commitment" to my subscribers by including subscriber-only covers in my current Mail Sale. He says that it "probably reduces its worth as a collectible" and that he doesn't think I'm "playing fair with subscribers". I would like to respond to each of my subscribers, and since this "Eagle" is one of my two 1992 limited-edition covers, it seems like a good place.

First and foremost, each of my subscribers (except maybe the brand new ones) should know by now that all of my operating policies are intended to enhance COLLINS FDCs as collectibles because what is good for my collectors is good for me. It is not an accident that my covers have achieved their status and reputation -- it is because of quality and sound policies.

I do not make limited-edition covers available to non-subscribers nor extras available to subscribers. A recent example is a collector associated with a Major League team who in past years helped me acquire some items for my son's collection. He is a good guy. He wanted to buy one of my "Baseball in New York" covers, and I said no. MILFORD and COLLINS Duck collectors have wanted to obtain my "Woodduck in Apple Tree" cover and I've said no. Long-term subscribers have wanted extras and I've said no. There are no "limited-edition subscriber only" covers out there on speculation. So...I have kept most rigidly my "ethical commitment" and certainly this policy increases worth and not "reduces" it.

Finally, the question of "fairness" to subscribers. The very reason that I put these covers into the sale is to establish an approximate value for them so that my subscribers can appreciate what they have in their collection. Because no "extra" covers are out there for the marketplace, my sale is a way to achieve this objective. I would think that every subscriber would be delighted to see that a ten-dollar cover is now worth to someone $30 or $40 or $50 or whatever.

At any rate, I want to use this "specific" example to make a general" statement. No decision or operating policy that I (or any cachetmaker) make will be agreed with or understood by all collectors. What I want to stress is that every cover I produce and every procedure and policy I put into place has one and only one objective -- to enhance the collectibility of COLLINS Covers in the First Day Cover hobby. To do so is to your benefit and to mine. I sincerely appreciate the feedback of the December 15th letter because it has given me this opportunity to respond. Are the "subscribers only" limited-edition COLLINS Covers among the finest FDCs available? You bet. Just try to find them on the open market.

Every once in awhile I need to get serious to put forth my position. I work hard to produce great covers and there is no room for any misunderstanding. Thanks for listening. I also want to thank you for your support, and I can't wait until you see some of the up-coming covers. Better and better. Happy New Year and Best wishes for a wonderful 1993. Eagle and Shield. Limited-edition subscriber variety. Item #U2002.

Winter 2023 Mail Sale 

Lot 12 U2002 — Eagle and Shield — Subscriber-only edition (red ink) — 9/25/92

This is the first appearance in one of my mail sales. An American bald eagle is flying right at you and wingtip to wingtip fills the entire cachet. Mountain peaks provide the background and remote lakes fill the valley floor. Hand painting is realistic,_and  the feather detail is outstanding_ The stamp has a very large first day bullseye postmark in red ink, making it unusual — thus desirable. It is from Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, which is perfect for this cachet. Postmark is a little faint but entirely readable. Now is the time for this lot before the price works upward.