M2701

Bugs Bunny

Fred's Anecdotal Note

During World War II, United States citizens were urged to grow "Victory Gardens" for their own consumption as one of many ways that folks on the home front could contribute to the war effort. In this individually hand-painted origrnal cachet, the new Bugs Bunny stamp is placed along a country lane in a color-coordinated manner.

As he leans on his mail box chomping on a fresh carrot, a wary Uncle Sam tending his carrot patch casts a concemed glance over his shoulder. The watercolors I chose were bright and bold to emphasize the vivid cartoon-like nature of this new stamp.

Bugs was created in the late 1930's, and the lovable smart-alecky rabbit quickly became a movie sensation. When World War II broke out, the Government enlisted the aid of Bugs Bunny in the war effort in such areas as selling war bonds; keeping up morale; troop entertainment, and promoting civilian support activities such as growing victory gardens to increase the food supply. The Marine Corps even honored him with a medal.

This Collins hand-painted cachet was created with a patriotic theme for the first day of the Postal Service's new Bugs Bunny stamp. A tribute to one of America's alltime great entertainment creations.

Collins Cover Announcement 

Bugs Bunny

This is the 1997 stamp that evoked so much interest and controversy. Many thought it was a great idea to place a prominent cartoon character on a U.S. stamp. Some thought that it degraded the prestiege of the U.S. stamp program by honoring such a frivolous subject. My own opinion is that United States postage stamps weave a diversified fabric of Americana, and no one can deny that cartoon personalities have had a major impact this century as they continue to entertain Young and old alike. And, with sales results now in. the Postal Service confirms that Bugs was a tremendous success with stamp collectors. I think he will be a big hit with cover enthusiasts also.

Bugs Bunny was created in the late 1930's when Director Ben "Bugs" Hardaway requested a sketch of a cartoon rabbit from character designer Charles Thorson. The artwork came back to Hardaway with a notation on it by Thorson that it was "Bugs' bunny." A star was born.

The lovable smart-alecky rabbit quickly became a movie sensation. Soon after his creation, World War II broke out. The U.S. Government enlisted the aid of Bugs Bunny in the War effort on the homefront in areas such as selling bonds, keeping up morale, troop entertainment, and promoting civilian support activities such as growing "Victory Gardens" to increase the food supply. The Manne Corps even honored him with 'a medal.

My hand-painted cachet for this issue is distinct and different. The "entire" design shows Uncle Sam busily working in his Victory Garden. (The crop just happens to be carrots which Bugs Bunny is very fond of) The watercolors on this Collins are the same dynamic and bold tones that are used for the stamp. Its visual impact will stun you. and I don't think that is an over-statement. It's a beauty!

For this one I experimented with something a little different in the use on cover of the actual stamp. In fact_ I decided to use two of them in an unusual manner. First, I placed one in the upper right corner and had it postmarked with the First Day cancel. Then. I took a second stamp in mint condition and placed it on the cover so it became part of the scene. Thus, Bugs is standing on the roadway leaning against his mailbox fitting perfectly into the cachet design. Uncle Sam glances over his shoulder at the pesky rabbit who is busily chomping on a

carrot.

This is a very cute Collins Cover with an unusual design. Do consider obtaining an extra or two for your holdings because. once I'm sold out, this cover will always be in demand on the open market. The hand painting is stunning. The theme is patriotic. But. most of all, it pays tnbute to one of this country's all-time great enter tainment creations - Bugs Bunny. Item #M2701. $12.50.