G1301s

Ratification of the Constitution

Georgia

Fred Collins Signature

Collins Cover Announcement 

GEORGIA STATEHOOD

The hand-painted cachet depicts many of the things associated with the state. Three Confederate generals on their horses are carved into Stone Mountain -- the Mount Rushmore of the South. A rendition of Georgian symbols would not be complete without sweet Georgia peaches -these are shown along with two main crops (peanuts and cotton). A plantation house framed by hanging Spanish moss lends a southern flair. Rounding out the cachet are a proud bulldog (mascot of the University of Georgia) and the lovely magnolia flower. Representing the State's wildlife is the aggressive and powerful alligator.

I chose a Spanish moss green that coordinates with the colors in the stamp for the cachet border. The text "Bicentennial of Statehood" is painted in the same tone.

The cover has two stamps -- one is canceled in the First Day city of Atlanta and the second is unofficially canceled in Philadelphia with the Colonial B. Free Franklin postmark.

This is the fourth cover in the series joining Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey which a-e still available. An interesting FDC for the Bicentennial of Georgia Statehood. A peach of a cover. Item #G1301 - $7.75

Winter 2021 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 25 G1301 — Bicentennial of Georgia Statehood 

This was a challenging long-term project for me with no guarantee of success. Each time a stamp was released on the 200th Anniversary of their joining the new United States of America, my objective was two-fold. After obtaining the official city (in the respective state in order of joining) postmark, I took it to Philadelphia for the amazing Benjamin Franldin signature first day cancel done in colonial format at the post office in the Historic District. It was an ambitious plan because if I did not make it back to Philly in time for all 13 dates I would have been less than happy.

Georgia was my longest trip, and I was relieved when this one was completed. I did ultimately complete all 13 without missing any! The hand painted cachet shows peaches, blossoms, "UGA" — the bulldog mascot from the University of Georgia, the Civil War carving from Stone Mountain, and an alligator. This exclusive project was another historic series that helped establish the early reputation of Collins. A fine first day cover for my collectors and U.S. history topicalists as well as Georgia residents.