W2002

Wild Animals

Giant Panda

Collins Cover Announcement 

WILD ANIMAL SERIES 

GIANT PANDA

Although commonly referred to as the panda bear, this widely recognized and popular animal is actually more closely related to the raccoon. Giant pandas are found in the mountainous forests of southwestern China where they feed on bamboo. My hand-painted cachet depicts two of these distinctive pandas in a bamboo thicket. One lumbers from the growth into a clearing while the second greets him with a friendly nuzzle to the neck. The coloring is very realistic and it is a wonderful wildlife cachet.

The stamp has a terrific related First Day cancel tying it to the cover. It is from "China Grove" North Carolina and I can't think of a better philatelic connection than that for my COLLINS panda First Day Cover. It is an exclusive and you won't find it on any other cover. The quality of the postmark isn't very good but the town name and date are definitely readable. The most important factor for you to remember and consider about this postmark is that it was actually obtained on the issue date in China Grove and, as such, will always be a solid philatelic item. Also, this cover is one in a set of five, all done at "species related" cities on the actual issue date. Quite a feat and only by COLLINS.

Peek into a bamboo forest clearing and add a First Day Cover that features one of the world's most popular animals. The Giant Panda. Item #W2002. $10.75.