D1501

Transportation

Tandem Bicycle 1890s

Collin Cover Announcement 

TANDEM BICYCLE - 1890's 

(Bicycle Built for Two)

Daisy, Daisy, Give me your answer do, 

I'm half crazy all for the love of you. 

It won't be a stylish marriage, 

I can't afford a carriage.

But you'll look sweet upon the seat 

Of a bicycle built for two.

In this COLLINS FDC, Daisy does look sweet in the Gay Nineties as she pedals with her beau along a boardwalk at the seashore. Of course, the bathing attire is of the period with long skirts, knickers, and pants for the men. The cyclists draw the attention of the beach-goers and strollers as they proceed on their red two-seater. A tranquil ocean with cloudless sky is the backdrop for this look at a summer day 100 years ago.

A pair of the 24.1-cent stamps from the Transportation Series is affixed to the envelope. It was off to Washington state to purchase the stamps on First Day and then down the coast to Oregon. There, a very nice unofficial postmark was obtained from the village of Seaside.

In summary, this has to be one of the best covers for the issue. A pair of stamps has the Seaside, Oregon Day of Issue cancel making it a unique philatelic item as this postmark was only obtained by me. And, the hand-painted cachet brings back the simpler life of a century ago with a visit to the seashore. Ocean, beach, and boardwalk provide the salt-air setting as Daisy and her beau are the momentary focal point as they pedal into history. Item #D1501. $8.75.