D901

Performing Arts

Composer Jerome Kern

Collins Cover Announcement 

JEROME KERN/SHOW BOAT 

The "entire" cachet design and the unofficial cancel combine to make this first COLLINS FDC of 1985 really special. Along the mighty river, the side-wheeler Cotton Blossom pulls away from the wharf at river's edge. On the dock, well-wishers wave at the departing Show Boat as gentle waves lap at the pilings. The majestic vessel (Americana at its finest) dominates the cachet with billowing clouds and the distant green shoreline providing a backdrop.

I purchased the stamps in New York City and then headed for the perfect, related unofficial - River Edge, N.J. As with Melville, I placed the stamp to the lower left and "wrapped" the cachet around it using the whole face of the envelope. The beautiful tones of the hand painting really captured the "old man river" theme of this cachet, and it is a delightful, fresh and vibrant First Day Cover. The Cotton Blossom is a crisp red and white combination that contrasts nicely with the powder blue of the water. Multi-colored passengers can be seen on the upper, middle and lower decks. The text, the design, the colors, the stamp and the unofficial cancel all come together in a perfect mix to make this a lovely one for your collection. Item #D901 - $7.50.