Y901

AMERIPEX ’86

International Philatelic Exhibition

Spring 2023 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 19 Y901 — AMERIPEX — Ben Franklin stamp and cancel (5-25-85)

This stamp was issued to honor Benjamin Franklin who founded the United States Post Office. My hand painted cachet shows an early post rider to the right and a large portrait of Franklin sitting at his desk to the left. After getting the new stamp, I obtained the coveted "B. Free Franklin" signature Colonial postmark from Philadelphia on first day of issue. This is really a nice early Collins.

Summer 2024 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 7 Y901 — AMERIPEX '86 — Ben Franklin cachet w/B. Free Franklin colonial cancel — 5-25-85

This is an extremely nice first day cover. The "stamp on stamp" design shows Benjamin Franklin, and that is the theme I decided to follow. After picking up the stamps in Chicago, I flew to Philadelphia and the Colonial Post Office in the historic section of the city. There I secured a super unofficial first day cancel — the recreated signature of Postmaster Franklin done in the format of early postmarks. The large, overall hand painted cachet shows Ben pondering over some parchment documents. Multi-colored bound volumes line the desk. Ruffled cuffs and colonial ,waistcoat set the period. Mr. Franklin peers at his papers through the familiar eyeglasses. The colors of the paint compliment perfectly the colors in the stamp. An extension of the cachet shows a post rider of a later period arriving at a country inn. His blaring horn announces his arrival. The mail-laden saddle bags are draped over the galloping horse. The popular AMERIPEX stamp is tied to the cover with a wonderful "colonial" unofficial first day cancel, and the "entire" hand-painted cachet shows Ben Franklin and an early post rider.