N2603

Riverboats

Far West

Collins Cover Announcement 

RIVERBOATS

Far West

Usually one associates the riverboat with grand rivers such as the Mississippi, Missouri, or Hudson. It is a fact, however, that smaller versions sailed the western rivers bringing in new settlers, supplies, and mail. The relatively flat bottoms could maneuver in the shallow water and the stern-wheelers could provide power by using the readily available firewood from the timbered shorelines.

Another use of this class of riverboat such as the "Far West" was to ferry western military personnel from post to post. In this handpainted cachet, a small band of Teton Sioux Indians watch a boat steam by on the Yellowstone at a safe distance from shore.

This COLLINS is the fifth and final one in my popular Early Riverboat Series. From Rocky Mountain country I offer the "Far West". Item #N2603. $11.75.

Spring 2021 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 25 N2601 to N2605 — Riverboats — 8/22/96

This set sold out so quickly it was almost unbelievable. The cachet art on each of the Riverboat hand painted covers is incredible, and I ask you to take a few moments to review each of the cachets. A golden sunset provides a spectacular setting on the Oklawaha River — note the palm trees, sub-tropical foliage and the big gator sunning on the bank. From their small village along the Yellowstone River, a band of Sioux watch a passing riverboat — note the designs on the teepees and the impressive buttes on the opposite shore. A passenger steamboat is shown on the mighty Mississippi River — note the cargo stacked on shore, a flatboat with cabin moored to the waterfront, and a boy with dog fishing from the wharf. A sidewheeler on the Hudson River passes a picturesque sailboat — note West Point on the opposite shore. In the Northwest, a sternwheeler visits the islands in Puget Sound — note the sparse pine boughs on the tall trees and peaks from the Cascade Range in the distance. This set will always be a lasting testimonial to the cachet quality of Collins hand painted covers. Rarely comes up for sale.