Q2701

Migratory Birds 

Fred's Anecdotal Note

1997 Federal Migratory Bird

Delicate wildflowers combine with the graceful profilas of the two Canada Geese in this hand-painted Collins First Day Cover. A species which mates for life, the content pair meander thrgugh a colorful floral garden planted by Mother Nature. The distinctive black and white necks and heads are contasted with golden rod, purple loosetstife, and pink Joe Pye weed. In the foreground, crimson bee balm, yellow buttercups, and blue chickory complete the cachet design.

The high-value fifteen dollar Federal stamp and yellow rose stamp to meet postage requiremels have a pictorial First Day postmark from 'Duck Stamp Station" in McLean, Virginia. The cancel design is based on that of the stamp which I think is a nice feature. My watercolored cachet wraps around the postnark to provide a balancecd composition and subtle visual impact.

Collins Cover Announcement 

1997 COLLINS "DUCK"

Fifteen-Dollar High-Value Federal Migratory Waterfowl Stamp

By Advance Order ONLY- Timely Response Requested 

Orders must be RECEIVED  by Friday, June 20, 1997

As is my usual practice, you will not receive the standard invoice for this annual premier COLLINS First Day Cover. It will be an "immediate sell-out" (thus causing it to have an immediate "open market" impact on its worth) as I will only do them for those collectors ordering prior to the issue date of June 21st. There will be no exceptions so I suggest that you place your order now so that you don't forget. Last year several collectors missed out by not ordering in time.

The handpainted cachet this year will be, in a word, remarkable. I decided on a setting of wildflowers and the varied and colorful flowers bring out even more the graceful beauty of the familiar Canada goose. This year's COLLINS Duck is so lovely that I think it is suitable for framing. It will be a very strong entry in next year's National Duck Cachet Contest conducted by the AFDCS.

If your hobby budget permits, do consider an extra if you are so inclined. My goal is to make this 1997 COLLINS "Duck" an award winner! The cost is $32.50, but I am offering them to you at the reduced subscriber price of $29.00. This price also applies to any extra(s) you might order.

In conclusion, let me review why this is one of the "hottest" COLLINS Covers of the year. First, with no extras being produced, it is a guaranteed immediate sell-out. The $15.00 denomination of the stamp makes it a very desirable "High Value" PDG which many collectors especially covet. And, my handpainted cachet featuring the lovely Canada Goose amid a setting of colorful wildflowers is one that I'm anxious for you to see. It is gorgeous and absolutely one of my best Migratory Bird Covers ever. You will love it! The 1997 COLLINS "Duck". $32.50.