X1501s

South Dakota Statehood

Centenary

Fred Collins Signature

Collins Cover Announcement 

SOUTH DAKOTA STATEHOOD

There are over twenty - 20 - different colors used in this handpainted First Day Cover. You can imagine the time and skill needed to paint this detailed, western theme COLLINS cover. It reminds me of the sold-out Bret Harte, so if you have that one in your collection you can equate it to this South Dakota beauty.

The setting is the "Deadwood "Saloon" in the rip-roaring Dakota Territory. Five men are the center of attention as they play a hand of poker. Homesteaders, ranchers, drifters, cowboys, townspeople, railroaders, and travelers heading further west all gathered for nightly entertainment and companionship as a break from the daily hardships and semi-isolation of frontier life. As the game is played, on-lookers include the town marshall intent on keeping the peace and the pretty blonde bartender decked out in a red dress. The detail in this cachet is awesome. Brass rail at the base of the bar. Mounted mule deer and pheasant on the wall. Gas lights overhead. A front window through which buildings on Main Street can be seen. An assortment of pictures including a reclining maiden behind the bar. A pendulum clock. All add to the realism of this pioneer outpost. Perhaps most noteworthy is the subtle use of earth-tone colors that give this COLLINS cachet a sense of realism that you will appreciate. Step back in time as you enter the Deadwood Saloon.

A single of the Centennial South Dakota stamp has the official bullseye postmark. The amount of time required to paint this cachet mandates a slightly higher price than usual. This is a cover for the collector that appreciates the effort put into my hand-painted cachets. Item #X1501 - $9.75