C1305

Locomotives

Gowan & 1988 Marx, 1839

Collins Cover Announcement 

Early Railroad Engines

GOWAN & MARX

The year is 1839. It is night in Philadelphia, and the Gowan and Marx steam engine roars into the city. A large crowd (several holding illuminated lanterns) gathers to see the massive locomotive. Lights from the windows of an adjacent factory and the glow of the lanterns cast warm tones on the scene. The time required to hand paint this cover is staggering. The washes of watercolors blended together to create the escaping smoke from the tall stack. The brick work in the factory walls that provide the perfect backdrop. The shaded windows and their multi-colored reflections. The self­generated excitement of the large crowds is heightened by the use of light to accent their collective jubilant mood. And, the mighty engine itself. Brass bell. Huge boiler. Tall stack. Wheels straining forward. Metal gleaming from the lights of the city. Rolling down the track to its place in history.

The cover is unofficially canceled on Day of Issue at Philadelphia where the cachet scene takes place and where the actual 1839 engine was housed. A final touch to complement a gorgeous cover.

This cover joins the two other C1302 covers (John Bull and Best Friend of Charleston) previously offered as well as C1301, Brother Jonathan. The fifth and final cover of the issue, Stourbridge Lion, will be offered at a future date. Item #C1302. $7.50