M1301

Ratification of the Constitution

Massachusetts

Collins Cover Announcement 

MASSACHUSETTS STATEHOOD

Shown in the hand-painted cachet is a map of Cape Cod flanked by Nantucket Sound and Cape Cod Bay. Also, sea related are the "Mayflower" of Pilgrim fame and the lobster which is the wildlife species for this cachet.

Alexander Graham Bell's fabulous invention, the telephone is represented, as are shoes -- symbols of the importance of manufacturing in Massachusetts and throughout New England. Finally, a minuteman stands at the ready with his musket, and the Indian chief Massasoit (the state's namesake) stands with a peace-pipe.

The hand-painted lettering and the cachet border are done in a crimson red -- very eye-catching and coordinated with a Harvard University banner in the cachet.

As with the other Statehood covers, this one has two stamps and cancels. One is canceled officially in Boston, Massachusetts, and the other is canceled on the Day of Issue in Philadelphia with the Colonial style postmark from the historic Franklin Post Office.

A fine FDC for the Bicentennial of Massachusetts. Item #M1301 - $7.75.