J104

Americana Fort McHenry Flag

Summer 2024 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 1 J104 — Fort McHenry Flag — 6-30-78

This very early classic Collins cachet was done in four varieties of different stamp configurations. This is the rare and elusive J104 variety with only 53 produced that even long-term Collins collectors might be missing. A single plate number single has a first day cancel from the official city — Baltimore, Maryland. A second single is postmarked that same day in Washington, D.C. The hand-painted cachet is an incredible "early." It's an awesome aerial view showing Fort McHenry, ships, and exploding rockets. In the foreground there is a large Fort McHenry flag printed in color