Pekingese - 2

Chinese New Year

Year of the Dog

Collins Cover Announcement

HAPPY NEW YEAR

The Year of the Doq

A rickshaw is being pulled along a Chinese lane in this handpainted COLLINS cachet. Woven baskets line the wayside filled with local produce from which street vendors market their contents. In the background, a hint of mountains rise to a blue sky. That is the setting the passenger sitting in the hand-pulled "taxi" is experiencing. But, in this case the rider is not human but rather a cute Pekingese dog. With up-turned head and a fluffy tail, the adorable dog certainly makes an appealing cachet subject. A pet of the rickshaw's owner, the early morning ride is part of a daily routine as master and dog travel together to begin a new day's work.

The stamp has the slogan "First Day of Issue" postmark from Pomona, California. The text style is a script type that reinforces the Oriental flavor of this attractive First Day Cover.

Last year the Postal Service began the series of New Year stamps. My cover for that stamp -- "The Year of the Rooster" Item Number B2101 -- is still available at $10.75. It makes an ideal companion cover for the one being offered here.

Whether in an American backyard or in a Chinese village halfway around the world, the "Year of the Dog" honors man's best friend. A lovely cover. Item #Q2201. $10.75.