K2601

Olympic Games

Centennial 

Collins Cover Announcement 

THE DISCUS THROWER

Discobolus

This is a marvelous First Day Cover item and first I want to make sure you know that this stamp was not part of the "Olympic Set" issued by the Postal Service. This design was based on a bronze statue entitled Discobolus which was done by the Greek sculptor Myron, circa 450 B.C. The stamp honors the modern Olympic Games Centennial spanning the century from the 1896 Games in Athens to the 1996 Games in Atlanta.

For my handpainted COLLINS Cachet I decided to continue the "classic" look building upon the Greek statue shown on the stamp. In the original Games, the pentathlon competition consisted of five events: wrestling, javelin, discus, long jumping, and running. The main theme of my cover is the depiction of figures from Greek vases showing pentathletes. The use of watercolors provides for the rich and deep flesh tones that are prevalent for such figures. Events I chose were discus, wrestling, and javelin.

To the victors of the various events two awards were bestowed. A red woolen band called a filet was tied around the winner's head. This is shown on the athlete at the lower right of my cachet. Also awarded was a branch or wreath of wild olive leaves which I include at the lower left.

This COLLINS Cover exceeded my expectations and it is one I highly recommend. Once sold out it will become a highly sought after item on the open market. Let me make clear that this stamp and COLLINS Cachet is a single, distinct issue and is not part of my Centennial Olympic set. Without a doubt, it's one of the year's best. It will be a winner in any FDC collection to which the red headband and green olive branch will attest. A "Classic Greek Look" from COLT TNS. Discobolus. Item #K2601. $11.75.