R2301b

Christmas Wildlife

Pronghorn Antelopes -- “Winter Range”

Cardinal in Snow

Autumn 2022 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 19 R2301 — 1994 Christmas Wildlife — Pronghorn (10-20-94)

This hand painted wildlife cachet is a beauty. A light snow has dusted the landscape which serves as a backdrop. Featured are two pronghorn bucks in a detailed close-up pose. The heads and necks are accented in white, and the dramatic horns curve upward. A hand painted border surrounds the scene. The two Christmas stamps have a first day of issue postmark from Harmony, Minnesota. The pronghorn is the fastest land animal in the Western Hemisphere. Lewis and Clark made several pronghorn observations, and they wrote, "of all the animals we have seen, the antelope seem to possess the most wonderful fleetness." 

Spring 2024 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 17 R2301 — Christmas Wildlife — Pronghorn in their Winter Range — 10-20-94

On many of my philatelic adventures throughout the United States, a herd of pronghorns is a variety of wildlife that stirs my heart no matter how many times I've viewed it. It makes me feel good to see these wild and fleet animals on the open range. A powerful close-up pose of two pronghorns is the hand-painted design of this Collins cachet. Natural colors achieved by blending various watercolors give them a look that is realistic and bold. With pronged horns curving upward in splendid fashion, it is easy to see how they got their name. Behind them, a white blanket of snow covers the landscape.

Reflections from the sky transform the slopes of the nearby foothills to a vista of seasonal beauty. The wide expanse visible behind the two pronghorns is their "winter range." I believe this is the first time this cover has appeared in one of my mail sales.