Y1401s

Christmas

Madonna & Child

Fred Collins Signature

Collins Cover Announcement 

CHRISTMAS

Away in a Manger

A stable is the setting for this COLLINS cachet as a newly born baby lies on a blanket of straw. The beautiful mother, dressed in lovely shades of blue and purple, marvels over the miracle before her. Giving real feeling to this cover is the serenity of the peaceful animals that seem transfixed by the infant. A donkey pokes his head over a fence board and peers at the drama before him. A cow stands in a stall before an open window, and, in the heavens beyond, the North Star beams in its rays of light. A small flock of sheep and several chickens complete the animal companions of mother and child.

The stamp is postmarked with the wonderful Bethlehem, Pennsylvania pictorial postmark with wisemen and camels. This unofficial is perfect for Christmas FDCs because of its authenticity and appearance.

In reviewing this hand-painted COLLINS cachet, I see three elements of design that make it special. First, the extensive wooden interior and the straw-covered floor create a warm setting for the scene. Second, the numerous and appealing domestic animals somehow transmit a feeling of peace and tranquility. Third, the happiness of mother and child is exceedingly apparent as the blessed event evolves. A Christmas FDC I'm pleased to present. Item #Y1401. $8.50.