K3502

U.S. Military Academy - Bicentennial

Famous Graduates – John J. Pershing, George Patton & Douglas McArthur

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.

Femous Craguates

In addition to the K3501 previously announced (Cadets in Full Dress Uniform), I decided to also do a cachet variety showing three famous graduates of the United States Military Academy.

John J. Pershing was captain of cadets in his final year at the Point. As an upper classman, he was known for exercising hard and firm authority over underclassmen. Black Jack Pershing went on to become the commander-in-chief of the Allied Expeditionary Force in World War I. In assembling the largest American Army to that time, he proclaimed, "The standards of the American Army will be those of West Point."

During his final year at the Academy, Douglas MacArthur achieved the rare double distinction of being selected first captain of the Corps and graduating first in his class. He became superintendent of West Point at age thirty-nine. During his tenure, he realized that modern U.S. Armies of citizen-soldiers had to be led through understanding and respect rather than fear and strict regimentation. As all Americans know, General MacArthur went on to play a prominent role in World War II and is perhaps best remembered for uttering the famous words - "I Shall Return."

George S. Patton wrote his future father-in-law from West Point saying "It is as natural for me to be a soldier as it is to breathe." His grandfather was a Confederate general and at the Academy he showed early signs of the flamboyant commander who would relentlessly lead his armor across France and Germany in World War II and earn four stars in the process. One of West Point's best horsemen ever, it is easy to picture George Patton as a successful general be it tanks in the 20th Century or cavalry in bygone years. 

This cachet edition is more limited than the'Cadets in Dress Uniforms - K3501" previously offered. You might want to consider ordering an extra as this will prove to be a "must own" FDC for military topicalists, as well as future Collins collectors. It is probable that this is the first time these three American military leaders have appeared together on one First Day Cover. It is my honor to announce the Collins West point cachet honoring this trio of United States generals. In West Point's 200th year we remember cadets Pershing, MacArthur, and Patton. Collins #K3502 - $12.25.