Y5902

Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor

400th Anniversary

Native Americans

Cover Announcement 

In this individually hand painted cachet, two braves from the Wampanoag tribe watch the first landing boat being rowed ashore from the Mayflower. It is an inauspicious moment for the indigenous tribes of North America because for the next two and a half centuries, new immigrants would push westward mostly wreaking havoc on the native peoples. Joining the Plymouth and Jamestown settlements, numerous other Atlantic coast ports would establish the beginnings of the United States of America.

The Wampanoags did lend much needed assistance to the newly arrived Pilgrims. They helped them combat the severe and deadly winter of 1620-1621 and in the spring taught them about edible plants that could be gathered or grown. It can be assumed they provided the newcomers with meat from the forests and fish from the streams and lakes. At harvest time in 1621, the Pilgrims and the natives shared a feast.

This cover could become one of the future gems of our shared hobby. It certainly will appeal to history topicalists. It will be a first day cover "must have" for those who collect "Americana" or "Native Americans." It has one of the most famous "ships" of all times, and, in fact, the Mayflower  stamp will itself be a popular collectible. And, perhaps most importantly, future Collins collectors will seek out the cachet variety. The colors are so realistic, and the artistic expression so finely executed that this cover will take you back as though you are standing there with the two intrigued Wampanoag. Collins #Y5902 - $16.50.