L1201s

U. S. Flag

Flag Over Capitol

Signature

Collins Cover Announcement 

AMERICAN FLAG TEST COIL

This is a very "sharp" and "clean" looking cover -- most attractive, and the hand-painted cachet is one that "the more you look at it, the more you'll like it".

Let's talk about the stamp first. The Postal Service was testing a new printing process and quite uniquely printed a small "T" on each of the stamps. The "T" (for "test") is printed in the same small size and bottom location as the ever popular PNCs. Each of these covers has a pair of the "T" stamp coils cancelled with a First Day of Issue bullseye.

The cachet is beautifully patriotic. A bald eagle in the early colonial design done in watercolors captures the viewer. In his talons he grips an American flag, olive branches and arrows. In his beak, a banner proclaims "E Pluribus Unum". An ornate border surrounds the design. The final touch on this cover is a nice (and, if I do say so, clever) one. The word "Liberty" is boldly displayed across the bottom of the cover. All the letters are hand painted in flag red except one which is painted in flag blue. This one letter is "T" which is a direct and artistic way of bringing attention to the unique stamps. A most interesting, different and lovely cover. Item #L1201 - $7.00