F1501

Transportation

Patrol Wagon 1880s

Collin Cover Announcement 

POLICE PATROL WAGON

 Transportation Series

This is a delightful COLLINS FDC and it has quite a story. It was produced about 3,000 miles from home on the left coast in sunny California. The stamp was issued in Anaheim during the American First Day Cover Society Convention. Because of that fact, you can imagine the interest it generated.

The Postal Service took advantage of two regional historical occurrences to go all out for the ceremony. Recalling the early days of film-making, those in attendance were treated to some vintage silent movies featuring the slapstick humor of keystone cops. Many postal people at the ceremony were dressed as keystone cops in very authentic uniforms. It really set the tone for the Patrol Wagon subject matter.

Even a bigger hit with the "children of all ages" was the appearance of several characters from Disneyland including the incomparable Mickey Mouse. The talented Disney Children's Choir sang several selections. My family joined me for this trip and convention and the ceremony was enjoyed by the whole Collins clan.

Being at the convention offered us a great unofficial slogan cancel which reads "AFDCS Station, National First Day Cover Collecting Week" Anaheim, CA 92802. Of course, you had to "be there" to obtain the cancel so it will be an excellent one to have in your collection. My oldest daughter Becky helped with this cover and her efforts were really appreciated by Dad.

The hand-painted cachet is one I particularly recommend. I bring back "McGruff - The Crime Dog" for his second appearance on a COLLINS FDC. (The first was U801 in 1984.) McGruff and the bulldog cop are seen loading two convict cats in striped prison attire into a period patrol wagon. Chained together, their expressions are less than happy. Again, I've used the McGruff stamp as an actual part of the cachet design. It is really a unique and attractive cover. Don't miss it. A few of the COLLINS #U801 "Crime Prevention" FDCs from 1984 remain available at $7.50, and if you don't yet have it, I would recommend that you pick up the pair.

This Transportation cover has it all -- a great cancel, a great cachet, and a great story of origin on the actual day of issue in California. It would be a "crime" to miss it. Item #F1501 $8.00.