A2802A

Department of the Air Force

50th Anniversary - Four F16 Falcons

Collins Cover Announcement 

United States Air Force

Prior to last year's Convention, the American First Day Cover Society approached me about doing a cachet for them as part of their on-going fund raising and cover creation program. I had been asked before to donate a cachet and covers, which I consider a distinct honor, but always declined because it has been my firm policy not to do unserviced Collins Covers. This time, however, I decided to do it for the following reasons:

1. It was a worthwhile cause and, as mentioned above, an honor to be asked. Since Collins cachets have made and will continue to make such an impact on our hobby, it is only fitting that Collins collectors have an "AFDCS" sanctioned cover with the Society's logo a required part of the cachet. I also agreed to do this cover with the understanding that this would be the one and only time that I would do such a cover.

2. The Air Force topic was one that has much personal significance for my family and myself. I knew this issue would be an important part of the "Collins story" and decided that this would be the "right" stamp for this undertaking.

3. The Air Force stamp would be a "national release" - allowing collectors all across the country to pursue local First Day postmarks - adding much future interest in this Collins cachet.

4. I knew that I would provide to you my designated version so that Collins collectors would have a hand-painted variety of this historic cachet. The A2802 is that variety. In addition to hand painting, my covers have a beautiful large bullseye cancel from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado which clearly identifies it as the A2802.

In conclusion, let me give you a summary of this great cover. It is an American First Day Cover Society sanctioned cachet with their logo appearing. It is printed in red, blue, and black with hand painting added. It has a great First Day of Issue postmark from the Academy. It is this cancel and the hand painting which will identify it as the "official Collins version" of the A2802 covers. The bottom line is that you will love having this one in your collection. The Collins! AFDCS Air Force 50th Anniversary cover - Item #A2802. $8.25.