O2801

“Remember The Maine”

U. S. Battleship Maine Exploded and Sank in Havana, Cuba, 1898

Autum 2019 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 27 02801 — Remember the Maine — 2/15/98 

This U.S. naval ship exploded suddenly on February 15, 1898 in Havana Harbor. Many considered it an act of sabotage by Spain. On April 25th the United States declared war on that country. My hand painted cachet is perhaps the most dramatic one I've ever produced. The fullcover scene shows the U.S.S. Maine exploding with the blast sending debris and bodies skyward. Flames shoot high into the night sky, and smoke billows from midship. A dynamic military cover depicting this tragedy. "Remember the Maine." 

Spring 2024 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 24 02801 — "Remember the Maine" (from the Spanish American War) — 2-15-98

This hand painted Collins cachet has become a classic. It shows the exact moment that a mysterious explosion sank the ship and killed 250 American sailors and officers. It's one of the most dramatic cachets I've ever produced. The full-cover scene shows the U.S.S. Maine exploding with the blast sending debris and bodies skyward. Crew members are tossed up in the air and into the sea. The structure of the ship is ripped apart by the terrible blast. Detailed hand painting of each cover is so small you won't believe it! Although the action of the explosion is the focal point of the cachet, there are also subtle parts that contribute to the effect. The carefully chosen colors of the sea and sky. The banner on the left. The maritime rope bordering the right side. It's an awesome Collins collectible.

This stamp with a Key West, Florida first day cancel is described by the Postal Service as a Spanish American War commemorative. The design of the stamp, however, is based on a turn-of-the-century illustration of the U.S.S. Maine which appeared on a patriotic bandanna. The war was not mentioned. Few disasters have affected U.S. military history like the sinking of the Maine in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898. Although the origin of the explosion was never determined, popular sentiment blamed the Spanish. On April 25th of that year, the United States declared war on Spain.