J2502

U.S. Naval Academy

150th Anniversary

Early Midshipmen at Academy

Subscriber-Only Edition

Collins Cover Announcement 

United States Naval Academy

150th Anniversary

Each year I do two special COLLINS Covers for subscribers. These Limited Edition hand-painted cachets are certainly a benefit of being a subscriber because no one else has the opportunity to obtain them. And, not even for subscribers are extras available which means that these "sub-only" covers will always be sought after items and their market value will reflect their scarcity.

My hand-painted composit cachet features an officer instructing a trio of midshipmen. In the background, "middies" labor at the oars of a training longboat and a vignette of an early ship with all sails unfurled cruises the open sea. To give this COLLINS a true Naval Academy flavor, I've included an historic gatehouse building and also an Indian masthead figure that is prominently displayed on the grounds. This entire cachet is bordered by the woven hemp rope line so familiar to early seafarers.

The stamp is postmarked on Day of Issue at Annapolis, Maryland. For newer subscribers I want to emphasize again that this cover is a "key" one for your COLLINS collection. It is entirely different from my up-coming regular edition Naval Academy cover (which will also be an excellent item to own) and it is done just for you with no extras. The "subscriber only" Limited Edition United States Naval Academy FDC. Item #J2502. $9.75.

Autumn 2022 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 23 J2502 — Naval Academy (10-10-95)

This scarce cachet was produced just for my subscribers at the time with no extras available for purchase. It celebrates the 150th Anniversary of our Naval Academy (1845 to 1995). What brings

added collectability to this Collins is a cachet error which identifies the years incorrectly as 1895 to 1995. The hand painted cachet is a beauty with an officer instructing a group of new midshipmen in period uniforms. Also shown are a sailing ship, a long boat crewed by midshipmen, an old building at the Naval Academy, and a carved wooden Indian ship's bow figurine. It's a hard cover to find, so If your collection still needs it, now is the time. The well-designed stamp has the Annapolis, Maryland first day of issue bullseye postmark. A gem for military specialists.