O1201

Ratification of the Constitution

Delaware

Collins Cover Announcement 

DELAWARE STATEHOOD

For the first of the Statehood issues, the cachet shows many of the things associated with the state. The Wildlife species chosen for Delaware is one that is justly famous throughout the Chesapeake "Eastern Shore" region -- the delectable, tasty crab. (I still remember the outstanding crab-cake lunch the late Dick Byron and I enjoyed on our way to Kitty Hawk for the Viking unofficial.) A domestic fowl also makes the cachet something to crow about -- a blue hen representing the state bird and the area's poultry industry. Flasks of brightly colored chemicals draw attention to the state's pharmaceutical production while a large ship symbolizes the state's coastal importance. A brightly uniformed soldier/colonist stands guard outside the palisaded fort of an early Swedish settlement. The hand-painted cachet is framed with a color coordinated with the new stamp and handpainted lettering.

The cover has two stamps -- one canceled at the official city of Dover, Delaware and the other at the B. Free Franklin Colonial Post Office in the unofficial city of Philadelphia -- home of the Continental Congress. Item #01201. $7.75 

Autum 2019 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 13 O1201 — Delaware Statehood Bicentennial — 7/4/87

On July 4, 1987, I began a quest that I hoped would result in an amazing series of Collins First Day Covers. Having arrived in town the night before, I got to the Dover, Delaware Post Office early and purchased the new stamps for our first state. I then drove to the historic B. Free Franklin Post Office in Philadelphia and secured this second first day of issue postmark that incorporated the signature of our first Postmaster General — Benjamin Franklin. It is done in colonial format and is a beautiful philatelic bonus for this Collins. The hand painted cachet is a collage of Delaware history. As I traveled home up the Jersey Turnpike, I reflected on my three-year plan. As each new Statehood Bicentennial stamp was issued, I planned to do the same process with both the state and B. Free Franklin Colonial postmarks.

One down and, hopefully, twelve to go. Fast forward to May 29, 1990 when I traveled to Rhode Island for the 13th and final original state covers. Mission accomplished.