Q802

Smokey Bear

Wildfire Prevention Campaign

Collins Cover Announcement 

Raging Inferno 

This second COLLINS cachet variety is assuredly the most dramatic design you have ever seen on a First Day Cover. It fills the whole envelope and it is startling. Amber, yellow and red flames jump skyward across the near horizon. To look at this raging inferno is, I believe, another break-through for COLLINS FDCs . The realism is something that can't be described here -- you'll have to see II for yourself. I can guarantee that it will evoke a comment from everyone who views it in Your collection. I can also state that it will be one of the most unusual and visually appealing FDCs that you will ever see.

In the forearound a deer and rabbit flee the blazing horror behind them. Charred trunks are remnants of the majestic trees that previously were. And now aren't. To one of these trunks clings a small bear cub. Bewildered. Forlorn. Scared. This clinging cub is as it appears on the stamp for I have taken the Smokey stamn and made it part of the cachet. The stamp itself comes to life -- the stump amona many others; the baby hear among fleeing animals; and the gray background now part of the gray, smoke-filled sky.

You really must see this cover to appreciate its composition and execution. It's most unusual and appealing. Item ,#0802 - $7.50

Winter 2024 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 23 Q802 — Smokev the Bear — 8/13/84

This is the scarce variety with the stark cachet. A forest fire has swept the landscape, and the flames can be seen retreating in the background. The entire cover is ash gray for effect. The stamp becomes part of the cachet as the small cub Smokey is seen clinging to the remnant of a burned and smoldering tree. This will be one of the most dramatic and unusual first day covers that you will ever see.