C4803

Christmas Evergreens

Blue Spruce

Collins Cover Announcement 

Evergreens — Blue Spruce

1925 Pierce-Arrow Runabout

A special Collins First Day Cover 

dedicated to the memory of Grandad Bill.

This new offering is a special. Collins First Day Cover for several reasons. For antique car buffs, it is a gem because it features a 1925 Pierce-Arrow Runabout. This particular one has a unique relationship to the family, but more about that in a moment. This individually hand painted First Day Cover is also a key Collins to own because it completes the four-cover Evergreens set which features exciting modes of transportation. I dare say that no set of cachets in the history of our hobby has brought together in one milli-set the historic 1832 John Bull steam locomotive; a small fleet of racing iceboats with magnificent colored sails; a Piper Cub fitted with ski landing gear; and a tremendous example of automotive history — a 1925 Pierce-An-ow. What a set!!!

Evergreens — Blue Spruce

1925 Pierce-Arrow Runabout

All of you who have read our book detailing the first twenty years of Collins First Day Covers know that our daughter, Rebecca, met John at Bucknell University, and you viewed photos of their wedding. They now have three lovely daughters who I'm sure will be attending future conventions with me. On page 183 of the book, there is a picture of John's parents who helped service the Collins Covers for the 1995 Civil War set. It is to Bill, who passed away recently, that this cover is dedicated.

In 1926 his father. William, purchased this 1925 Pierce-Arrow Runabout. When passed down to Bill, the car became a loving hobby as he restored it to a truly magnificent state of beauty and automotive mechanical excellence. His dedication to this long-term project made me want to feature it on one of my cachets. And, since Becky and John's girls were his granddaughters also, what better theme could there be than a memory preserved for them on a Collins First Day Cover from one grandfather to another.

Whether you view these four covers as a set or enjoy them as single pieces, they truly do represent the best of the cachetmaker art form. Each subject is in a lovely winter setting framed by snow-laden evergreens. I so much want each of you to experience this watercolored set first hand. First Day Cover pioneer Early Planty was a famous proponent of "cachet appreciation." Take time to enjoy these covers. It is what our hobby is all about. And to Bill — son, Navy veteran, husband, father, and beloved Grandad — this one is for you. 1925 Pierce-Arrow. Collins #C4803 at $14.00.