K3501

U.S. Military Academy - Bicentennial

Military Academy Coat of Arms

Cadets in Parade Dress Cachet

Collins Cover Announcement 

BICENTENNIAL OF

 WEST POINT

For this issue, I'm giving my subscribers a different look at the cachetmaking process. Each new issue begins with researching the subject matter. When a basic cachet design is decided upon, rough pencil sketches and placement composition are begun. From this preliminary work, a final pencil sketch is completed. For my first two cover varieties, I'm enclosing the close-to-final pencil sketches for the "Famous Graduates" and "Cadets in Parade Dress." As you can see, we always work in a larger scale than cover size and then reduce it accordingly.

For my subscribers-only limited edition, I'm enclosing an "inked" illustration of the cachet. This is the final step before a mechanical is made from which the design will be put on the covers. Then they will be ready for hand painting.

This year marks the 200th Anniversary of the United States Military Academy. It was created by Thomas Jefferson in 1802. My Bicentennial cachet shows four cadets in full parade dress uniforms. One holds the colors while three fellow cadets march by with rifles on their shoulders. The final hand painted version of this cachet turned out great, and I'm pleased to announce it. Collins #K3501 $12.25.

My research provided a wealth of cachet-deserving material, so I decided on a second cachet variety that I would offer to all of my collectors. It features three cadets who would go on to become distinguished generals. The three men honored are John J. Pershing, class of 1886; Douglas MacArthur, class of 1903; and George S. Patton, class of 1909. It is an honor to present my West Point cachet for these famous graduates. Collins #K3502 - $12.25.

It's very possible that the above two covers may sell out quickly, so if you want any extras, do consider ordering them at this time.

The final West Point cachet is one I'm doing just for my subscribers. No extras are available, and by being done in such a limited edition will make them a very scarce and desirable Collins FDC. For over 50 years an Irishman named Benjamin Havens operated a tavern about a mile and a half from West Point. Although "off limits" to cadets, class after class made its way to its favorite watering hole located under the rocky cliffs near Buttermilk Falls. There, Benny would serve up the drinks with his Irish hospitality, and Mrs. Havens would serve up her delicious home cooking to the cadets.

Over the years, a song emerged about Benny Havens Tavern, and over 70 verses are still sung by the cadets — even though the tavern ceased operating in the late 1800s. This subject matter is one that I would wager you won't find on any other cachetmaker's covers — only on Collins. Combine that with the fact that this will be such a limited edition cover, and I'm sure it will immediately become a very desirable and actively sought West Point collectible.

I'll include a brief history of and commentary on the saga of Benny Havens with each cover. This variety is #K3503 and is dedicated to the memory of Benny, Mrs. Havens, and each of the cadets who made his way down the slippery rock steps next to Buttermilk Falls. No extra covers are available.

United States Military Academy

In 1802, President Thomas Jefferson established a military academy at West Point, New York, for the United States Army. Here, future officers would receive both a college education and training in military tactics and discipline. This new stamp issue celebrates the Bicentennial of "The Point."

My hand painted cachet shows four cadets in full parade dress uniforms_ One holds the colors, while three fellow cadets march by with rifles on their shoulders.

This cover fits into several collecting categories_ It is a "military" cachet and certainly can also be considered a "patriotic." Beyond that, this FDC can also be classified as an "Americana" topical because West Point has been ingrained as an important part of our national heritage.

The watercolored cachets really turned out great, and I'm proud to announce the United States Military Academy Bicentennial. Collins #K3501 - $12.25.