Constellations

Leo

Collins Cover Announcement

CONSTELLATIONS

Leo and Orion

These new stamps featuring star configurations of the constellations Leo, Lyra, Pegasus, and Orion afforded me great opportunity to create four stellar hand painted cachets. The first two I'm offering are Leo and Orion. Soon I'll complete the mini-set of four by announcing Pegasus and Lyra.

Orion, known as the Hunter, is visible in both hemispheres from October until March. He was banished to the sky for bragging about the number of animals he killed. Leo, also known as the Lion, is found in the Northern Hemisphere in spring and in the Southern in autumn. He was sent to earth to kill Hercules but was, in fact, killed by Hercules who wore Leo's skin and became invincible. When Hercules eventually died, Leo returned to the heavens.

The hand painted cachets for these two stamps are truly outstanding. The watercolors bring them to life, and only when you see them in person and study the detail can you truly appreciate their artistic beauty. Orion, the Hunter, holds his massive club aloft and holds the pelt of his most recent quarry. Leo, the Lion, is shown in a bold and splendid profile roaring to the heavens with Hercules standing on a pedestal nearby. In both individually hand painted illustrations, the constellations are shown, and I must say both of these cachets are truly magnificent. A fairly fast sell-out is a definite possibility, so don't miss out on adding these two heavenly First Day Covers to your Collins collection. Leo (I4001) and Orion (I4002) - $13.25 each.