H2104

Oregon Trail

The Indians

Collins Cover Announcement 

OREGON TRAIL

The Indians 

Winner of a 1993 First Place Cachetmakers' Award

It is with great pleasure that I can announce to you that this COLLINS First Day Cover has won the first annual "Earl Planty Award" for the best 1993 FOC in its category. The announcement and first place presentation by the American First Day Cover Society took place on June 25th at the Annual Society Convention in Florida. Two additional first place trophies were awarded to me, and I will discuss all three in more detail in a soon-to-be-published newsletter. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed to receive three first place awards in the national cachetmaker contest and I am very pleased that you will be receiving "The Indians" as part of your Oregon Trail set.

The hand-paintd cachet features a Plains Indian warrior in the foreground. He is dressed in buckskin with ornate beadwork adornments. Protruding from his hair are several eagle feathers and in his arms he cradles a prized possession--a finely crafted rifle. Two mounted braves approach him in the near background. They carry lances and shields with quivers of arrows slung on their backs. Their Indian ponies are handsome and spirited. In the more distant background, the other members of the mounted war party are coming forward on the trail.

As you know from my previous announcement, this set was already a key acquisition because of its very limited edition. Now, with it having the 1993 award winning cover as part of the set, you will have a truly magnificent addition to your First Day Cover collection. With much personal satisfaction in the recognition that the American First Day Cover Society has given COLLINS hand-painted cachets, I am pleased to present your next Oregon Trail First day Cover. Winner of the 1993 Earl Planty -Best" Award. The Indians. Item #H2104.

Spring 2022 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 21 H2102 to H2107— The Oregon Trail (2-12-93)

Technically this lot is for six covers which have been sold out for a very long time. H2102 (The Scout); H2103 (The Women); H2104 (The Indians, which was the 1993 Earl Planty Award winner for Best hand Painted Cachet); 112105 (The Cavalryman); H2106 (The Mountain Men); and 112107 (The Pony Express Rider). As many of you know, the exploration of the American West is a favorite topic of mine. When this stamp was issued in 1993, I decided to make a set of seven depicting people associated with the Oregon Trail., The 112101 was my main cachet showing covered wagons making their way over a snowy, steep trail. Ferocious wolves threaten but are held at bay by the rear guard. This cover is entitled "The Pioneers" and will be included with this lot.

Part of the cachet is a simulated piece of parchment that each scene is painted on. It is a terrific effect. Details are amazing. Deep ruts in the snow. Straining oxen. Raised hair on the wolves. The advancing wagon train in the valley below the scout. Determination apparent by the woman with two children. The detail in the war party that garnered the top 1993 Planty Award. The barrel of the trooper's rifle aimed right at the viewer. The stoic and co4fident look of the mountain man. The energetic look on the faces of both the Express rider and his horse. This was the set nearly 30 years ago that continued to cement the reputation of Collins cachets. I believe this is the first time it's in one of my sales. An opportunity not often seen. An incredible set.