Y2601

Christmas Wildlife

Black Bears -- “Christmas Tree Antics”

Collins Cover Announcement 

CHRISTMAS WILDLIFE - 1996

Black Bears - "Christmas Tree Antics"

The COLLINS Christmas Wildlife series celebrates its ninth season with this year's edition. The handpainted cachet pictures two black bear cubs playing in an expansive meadow punctuated by several pine trees. It is Christmas morning and one has begun to climb up a trunk while his sibling playfully scolds him. The fresh, pristine snow and green pine needles provide a crisp winter background for the two adorable cubs.

Christmas First Day Covers will always be a widely collected topical. This Wildlife series is unique to COLLINS Cachets and it combines the annual Christmas stamps and seasonal holiday flavor with the natural appeal of beautiful wild creatures in their winter habitat. It is a nice concept and a "once a year" offering that my collectors really look forward to. The two stamps used this year are the "Christmas Skaters" and "Mother and Child". As time goes on, this cover and the others in this distinctive series will become sought after items within our hobby. Watercolors bring to life these two cute black bear cubs as they playfully romp and enjoy their "Christmas Tree Antics". Item #Y2601. $12.00.

Spring 2022 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 23 Y2601 — Christmas Wildlife 1996 —Black Bears "Christmas Tree Antics" (11-1-96)

A winter snow has blanketed a forest comprised of evergreens and hardwoods. In my hand painted cachet, two young black bears are out for a morning romp. One has begun to climb a tree, and his sibling stands and playfully paws the hind leg of the other. As is customary with the series, a painted border frames the light-hearted scene. Two Christmas stamps are tied to the envelope with a Richmond, Virginia day of issue bullseye postmark. See if you need this one for your collection.