F4104

Benjamin Franklin

Postmaster

Collins Cover Announcement 

Brnjamin Franklin

Postmaster

This is the third cover I've announced in this set of four, and, since it relates to Franklin's tenure as postmaster, it's a natural for stamp collectors. Ben was appointed to the position of our nation's very first Postmaster General by the Continental Congress. He was a diligent advocate of an efficient postal service, and his early efforts contributed much to its foundation.

The stamp has a late 18th Century portrait of Franklin by Charles Wilson Peale. It also shows a colonial cover from a 1775 letter and a colonial postmark. The text at the bottom of the stamp refers to the B. Free Franklin signature that Ben used for franking privileges. On this cover the stamp is affixed at the lower right and is tied to the cover with the excellent portrait pictorial postmark.

My hand painted cachet pictures Franklin at a writing table with quill pen in hand. A mail coach and a post rider are also shown. Completing the design is a colonial cover with the B. Free. Franklin signature at the bottom. The watercolors are well coordinated with the new stamp.

I'm pleased to offer Benjamin Franklin — Postmaster. Collins #F4104 — 13.25.