Seeing Eye Dogs

German Shepherd Leading Man

Autumn 2022 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 5 B202 — Guide Dog (6-15-79)

When I was growing up in rural North Jersey, it was common knowledge that seeing eye guide dogs for the vision impaired were trained in Morristown, located about 30 miles away. This long-time arrangement resulted in that town being chosen as the first day of issue site for this new stamp. A single has the bullseye first day postmark. Putting an additional stamp on the envelope, I drove them to Hope, New Jersey for a nice large bullseye with killer bars. This early cachet features a German shepherd, and the same breed appears on the stamp. Only 73 of this cancel variety were produced. Seeing eye dogs have provided new "hope" for increased mobility and activity for thousands with impaired vision. This is the first time this cover has appeared in my mail sales.