L2102

Circus

Ringmaster

Collins Cover Announcement 

CIRCUS - RINGMASTER

This is the fourth and final COLLINS Cover of my circus set, and what a magnificent one it is! In the hand-painted cachet my ringmaster also doubles as animal trainer for the big cats. In the cage the jungle beasts have taken their places for the act's grand finale. Included in the group are a lion with kingly mane and two lionesses; three bengal tigers; and, two sleek leopards with their beautiful pattern of spots. But, wait...along with the various big cats, this circus act has added a different ingredient for included are three polar bears from the Arctic North -- known for their dangerous ferocity.

Using various sized colored stands to position themselves on, a living pyramid has been formed by the two leopards, two of the tigers, and a polar bear at the apex. The ringmaster stands in the front holding his top hat with hands extended to the audience in presentation of the last moment of the final act of "The Greatest Show on Earth" as P.T. Barnum once said. At his feet lie the three lions, two other polar bears and remaining bengal tiger. Quite a scene for this concluding COLLINS circus cover.

As with the previous three, the lettering is also hand painted in cheery and colorful tones adding to the festive flavor of the issue. The ringmaster stamp has the Washington, D.C.bullseye First Day of Issue postmark. It is a wonderful item and a perfect way for me to end this fun set. And now, in conclusion, let me tell you about one final surprise in my cachet. It is difficult enough to control lions and tigers in the same act. To throw in two leopards with their solitary predator mindset is remarkable. And...to introduce three polar bears into a cage full of jungle cats is a little crazy. But, looking for the truly unique touch for this COLLINS FDC my courageous ringmaster has included in the act two fully-grown great danes and they are sitting alertly under the living pyramid described above. And, you must take my word that all of the above blends together for what must be the final piece of the best set of circus covers produced by any cachetmaker. It really is something special. 

Don't miss it. The Greatest Show on Earth. The Ringmaster. Item #L2102. $10.75.