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Tom Lydon (American, B. 1944) "Sculpture of "Hope"" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This artwork was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 23c Official Mail stamp issued May 24, 1991. Americans have always been optimists. Men of vision and confidence built the country in the early years and similar men continue to improve upon the original. The "hope" for a better day is what drives Americans toward success. On the East Pediment of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., Hope herself stands nine feet high, symbolizing the quality that made the United States great. Part of a sculpted mural which includes Justice and America, Hope is the anchor of all that motivates Americans. Appropriately, Hope leans on an anchor. The overall theme of the sculpted mural is that America cultivates justice, but strives for success. Hope was carved from sandstone by Luigi Persico in 1825-28 at the urging of U.S. President John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States. For almost a century and a half, the sculpture withstood the elements, but rain and wind took their toll on the easily-eroded sandstone. In 1959, the Capitol was remodeled and extended; the sculptures were restored by Carl Schmitz, a plaster model made, and replicas carved in pure Georgia White marble by Bruno Mankowski. The length of the pediment is over eighty feet. The original sandstone crafted by Persico is in storage, but the beautiful marble reproductions stand for all who visit the seat of the nation's government to see. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 20 x 14.75 in. Unframed. (B13210)

Ronald Maddox (British, B. 1930) "Tower of London" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Great Britain 9p Towwer of London stamp issued March 1, 1978. Vast. Overpowering. Aloof from the rest of bustling, modern-day London. The fabled Tower of London stands as a monument to Medieval Great Britain. It is a silent witness to nine hundred years of political intrigue and royal crisis. Bombings, fires and mob violence. Coronation processions and lavish banquets. Torture and daring escapes. Henry VIII, Sir Thomas More, Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, Elizabeth I and Sir Walter Raleigh are just a few of the historic figures whose fame and fate -- was intimately tied to the Tower. The Tower is dominated by the massive White Tower built by William the Conquerer in 1078. The design, both interior and exterior, is Spartan. Every consideration is subservient to obtaining the greatest possible strength and security. The outer walls vary in thickness from fifteen feet on the bottom to eleven feet at the top story. Many legends and superstitions are tied to the Tower of London, but perhaps one of the most fascinating is the story of the ravens: There have always been ravens in the Tower of London. They have made their homes amid the rising turrets and battlements for centuries, making themselves useful as scavengers. But even after that service was no longer required, their presence was encouraged. For, the legend runs, if the ravens leave, the Tower will fall and the greatness and glory of Britain will fade. Today, six ravens are kept "on the establishment," with their wings clipped so they cannot fly away -- thus ensuring Britain's survival. Image Size: 8.75 x 10.5 in. Overall Size: 15.5 x 15.25 in. Unframed. (B05125)

Ronald Maddox (British, B. 1930) "Windsor Castle in England" Original Watercolor painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Great Britain 5 Windsor Castle stamp issued October 18, 1988. Windsor Castle -- located about twenty miles west of London on the River Thames -- is perhaps England's most famous castle, due primarily to the fact that it is the British royal family's chief residence, as well as a stopping point for many heads of state on official visits to Britain. Originally built around 1070 by William the Conqueror, the castle was a Norman motte and bailey with a timber stockade atop a dirt mound. The Round Tower and stone walls were added by Henry II a century later. The artwork depicts the Round Tower, viewed from across the River Thames. Since Henry II's additions, successive monarchs have remodeled and added to the castle. The decorations which adorn much of the interior are the result of George IV's massive redecorations in the 1820's. The Grand Reception Room and Waterloo Chamber are among the most lavish and magnificent rooms in the castle. Used for State receptions and other formal affairs, they -- like others of the State Apartments -- are open for public viewing during most of the year. In 1475, Edward IV began the construction of St. George's Chapel, one of the most magnificent of English churches. In this chapel are buried many monarchs, including Henry VIII, Charles I, and George VI. Today, Windsor Castle stands as an impressive and monumental reminder of the royal family's influence on British life throughout the centuries. In addition, it has remained a favorite residence among various monarchs, including Queen Victoria and the present Queen Elizabeth II. Image Size: 12 x 14 in. Overall Size: 19.5 x 20.75 in. Unframed. (B11764)

Tom Lydon (American, B. 1944) "Peace Protecting Genius" Signed upper left. Original Mixed Media on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This artwork was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 19c Official Mail stamp issued May 24, 1991. The year was 1791 and the United States was only a few years old when French engineer Pierre-Charles L'Enfant completed his layout plans for the capital city of the young nation. L'Enfant was a visionary with a strong bent for Baroque landscape architecture; even then he planned for a capital city based upon fifty states and 500,000,000 citizens. The central point of his elaborate plan was the U.S. Capitol Building. The building was designed so that it had a broad vista down a long expanse of park known as The Mall. Although many of L'Enfant's original designs were not incorporated into the Washington, D.C. of today, the city is among the most beautiful in the world and the U.S. Capitol is still its central point. The building is an emblem of democracy and a work of art in its own right. A fine example is the Apotheosis of Democracy, a sculpture on the east front of the House Pediment. This artwork was based upon a portion of the colossal sculpture and depicts Peace Protecting Genius. Peace stands before an olive tree, her right arm symbolically protecting Genius, who rests at her feet and holds the torch of Immortality. Carved from Georgia White marble, the sculpture was completed in 1916 by Paul Wayland Bartlett to adorn the great building of democracy. Image Size: 13.25 x 11.5 in. Overall Size: 20 x 14.5 in. Unframed. (B12980)

Dan Fern (British, B. 1945) "Board Games" Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the Great Britain 19p Toys and Games stamp issued May 16, 1989. Zipping round and round with dazzling speed, new toy trains and racing cars are always a source of excitement -- and by time honored tradition sometimes more so to the father than his son. Still, when dad steps in and takes over, he can claim a certain amount of historical precedent. Originally, a "toy" was a pretty trifle made for adults, not children. Only in the 19th century did the word "toy" come to specifically mean a child's plaything -- and that was a long time after the first toy train had brought enjoyment. In fact, the earliest toy trains actually preceded the invention of the "Iron Horse" itself, with a line of wheeled playthings pulled along by hand. After the steam engine was invented, mechanical power gradually entered the toy box, too. Water-filled boilers were heated by methylated spirit burners, and the old toy pull trains were soon transformed into shiny lines of railroad cars hauled on miniature rails by chugging toy steam locomotives. Toy electric locomotives ensued in due course. Then, after the automobile was invented, toy "Tin Lizzies" also soon were delighting children of all ages. And it wasn't just the children's cars and racing car sets that became popular -- though America's fascination with the automobile is amply reflected in its toy boxes. Finely crafted precision miniature automobiles, some with intricate moving parts and costing hundreds of dollars, have become favorites with adult collectors. Image Size: 17.5 x 18.25 in. Overall Size: 21 x 22.75 in. Unframed. (B12017)

Tom McNeely (Canadian, B. 1935) "Nicaragua Landscape" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This artwork was originally published on the Fleetwood Mint Stamps of the World Collectors Panel for the Nicaragua stamp issue of Ancient Ceramics. A congenial sun reflects off the crystal blue waters of Lake Nicaragua, the largest freshwater lake in Central America. Geologists believe that once this lake was part of the ocean, but volcanic activity raised the land and cut off these sea waters from the ocean. Over time, rivers pouring into the lake made the waters fresh. The marine life trapped inside the lake adapted from salt water to freshwater so that today, Lake Nicaragua holds the only species of freshwater sharks and tarpin in the world. This lake is only one of the many treasures awaiting visitors to Nicaragua. The country is also a land of many active volcanoes that sometimes reawaken into a dramatic fury of fire and ash. Nicaraguans have become accustomed to these fiery inhabitants of their land. In fact, the ash from these volcanoes has made the land some of the most fertile in Central America. On the eastern side of Nicaragua, a lush tropical jungle grows, supporting innumerable species of exotic orchids, trees, and birds. The haunting cries of the ocelot and the jaguar can also be heard emanating from the dark jungle. On the western coast, the rich soil supports thriving crops of coffee, cotton, sugar and bananas. This is the most developed part of Nicaragua where the majority of the population lives. The elegant capital city of Managua looks out upon Lake Managua, another large freshwater lake. Throughout the country, Spanish colonial architecture combines with the conveniences of technology to create a fascinating nation. Image Size: 23.75 x 17.25 in. Overall Size: 30 x 22.25 in. Unframed. (B13313)

Hodges Soileau (American, B. 1943) "Red Cloud" Signed middle right. Original Oil painting on Canvas laid on foam board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 22c Duke Ellington stamp issued April 29, 1986. Edward Kennedy Ellington, born April 29, 1899, in Washington D.C., was known to his childhood friends as "the Duke." He began studying piano at the age of seven, and launched his professional career at seventeen. In 1923, he moved to New York where he led a small group of musicians who later became the core of his big band. Duke Ellington's first important engagement came in 1927, when his raspy jazz ensemble performed at the Cotton Club in Harlem. As a composer, Ellington was responsible for numerous works that achieved popular success ... and he believed that his orchestra was the truest expression of his creative vision. Indeed, Duke Ellington's real importance lay in the wonderful music he composed. During his lifetime, he created more than 900 compositions rich with lush melodies and complex rhythms. Image Size: 9.25 x 12.5 in. Overall Size: 13.5 x 16.75 in. Unframed. (B10170)

Michael Garland (American, B. 1952) "Rural Free Delivery - Horse-drawn Mail Wagon" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 32c Rural Free Delivery stamp issued August 7, 1996. Rural Free Delivery began in 1896 when rural residents in three small West Virginia towns first began receiving home mail delivery. According to the U.S. Postal Service, RFD is "a cornerstone of today's Postal Service, and a fixture of American life. Along the way it's opened up new avenues of commerce and communication, stimulated the development of the great American system of roads and highways, and established a vital link between industrial and rural America." Americans are familiar with the legendary 'service with a smile' that rural carriers render daily as 'post offices on wheels' to more than 24 million customers over 54,000 rural routes across the nation. But it wasn't always that way. Pioneer America had little in the way of postal service due to the isolation of communities and lack of developed roads. Much of the early mail was from settlers to relatives in Europe or elsewhere. Letters destined for overseas were often entrusted to captains of merchant ships. What little domestic mail there was, was hand-carried by whoever happened to be heading in the right direction and agreed to take it. Regardless of how it was moved, final delivery to the addressee depended largely on luck and chance. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 17.75 x 15 in. Unframed. (B15535)

Li Qingfa (Chinese, B. 1954) and Jiang Weijie (Chinese, 20th C.) "Terra Cotta Warriors - Armor Warrior" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media on Silk painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.N. 32c & 60c The Terracotta Warriors stamp issued November 19, 1997. Qin Shi Huang's legion of terra-cotta warriors was interned in battle formation 15 to 20 feet underground. These incredible life-size statues occupied a roofed-over area extending 700 feet east to west and 200 feet north to south. They stood ready, some 8,000 strong, in the same configuration the emperor's live honor guard did. On each side of the formation men face outward, but the majority of Qin Shi Huang's army looks east to meet any attack on the main gate of the emperor's magnificent double-walled tomb. Men march rank on rank. Horses draw royal chariots made of wood. Each chariot carries three or four men and is pulled by four exquisite horses flanked by 12 foot soldiers. Soldiers are armed with real crossbows, swords and spears. In addition to the terracotta warriors and horses, archeologists have discovered a treasure trove of gold, jade, bamboo and bone artifacts, as well as linen, silk, pottery utensils, bronze objects and iron farm tools. Students of military technology were amazed at the discovery of arrowheads and metal swords treated with a preservative that allowed the warriors' weapons to withstand the ravages of corrosion for 22 centuries. Analysis revealed that the swords were fashioned from an alloy of copper, tin and 13 other elements, including nickel, magnesium and cobalt. Image Size: 13.25 x 10.25 in. Overall Size: 14 x 12 in. Unframed. (B15787)

Li Qingfa (Chinese, B. 1954) and Jiang Weijie (Chinese, 20th C.) "erra Cotta Warriors - Arrow Shooter" Signed lower left. Mixed Media on Silk. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.N. F.s. 0,45 The Terracotta Warriors stamp issued November 19, 1997. Restoring the more than 8,000 terra-cotta warrior statues discovered in the mausoleum of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, is a monumental task requiring extraordinary skill and patience. Working with an inventory of literally thousands of fragments, archeologists and technicians have worked 19 years mending the broken soldiers. It's a lucky day when workers find just one piece that fits. To this day, long piles of fragments still lie at the western end of the site, awaiting connective surgery. More terra-cotta warriors are buried beneath them, waiting for their own resurrection. To help with the painstaking assembly, each piece is marked with a special code, indicating where the item was found and to what statue it might belong. If a perfect fit cannot be achieved, as is often the case, the piece goes back into inventory. An immense data base is being compiled on all statues, bronzes and other artifacts found at the site. Their images, descriptions and restoration history are being stored via computer for future reference. Interestingly, each warrior's face is unique. Many experts believe the emperor ordered actual soldiers from his honor guard to act as models, so they could continue to protect him through eternity. Before the rule of Qin Shi Huang it was customary in China to bury living people in tombs, rather than their likenesses. No doubt these soldiers were more than willing to pose, since they knew that the finished creations would be buried, instead of themselves. Image Size: 11 x 9.5 in. Overall Size: 14 x 12 in. Unframed. (B15783)

Roger Cruwys (American, B. 1938) "Officer Reza, Police Dog" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Federated States of Micronesia 32c Officer Reza stamp issued July 31, 1996. Officer Reza is a five-year-old, black-and-tan Hollander Herder and an integral member of the Federated States of Micronesia's National Police Drug Enforcement Unit. She was born in Germany on October 29, 1990, and was later transported to the United States where she received her obedience and police training through a Georgia organization known as Police Dog Services. Officer Reza advanced to receive narcotics detection instruction from canine training specialist Peter Onni. She arrived in the Federated States of Micronesia on November 25, 1993, and immediately began working with her partner and handler, Lieutenant Johnny Santos. Primarily patrolling in the state of Pohnpei, she is transported daily to the airport to inspect incoming flights for contraband. Officer Reza has also been involved in drug investigations of seagoing vessels entering the country. Officer Reza is quartered in her own house and yard adjacent to the National Policy Headquarters in Palikir at the site of the national government complex. Size: 15 x 13 in. Unframed. (B15300)

Skip Whitcomb (American, B. 1946) "Summer Garden Flowers - Marigold" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 29c Marigold stamp issued April 28, 1994. Although the name Marigold as used in America refers to members of the Tagetes genus, which includes African and French Marigolds, the pot Marigold of the Calendula genus is the flower from which the name was derived. Originally dubbed Mary's Gold by ancient herbalists, this species and other unrelated plants also share the Marigold moniker. Interestingly, the varieties called French and African, which are among the most common garden flowers in North America, are misnamed. Both are in fact native to Mexico. Despite this confusion, the popularity of these fiery blooms of yellow, orange and red continues to thrive. Making distinctive additions to summer flower beds and window boxes, these handsome annuals flourish in porous soil in a sunny location. Marigolds varieties grow in varying heights from six inches to almost three feet, allowing for an assortment of uses. The flower heads also differ in size and petal type. Some resemble small carnations while others look like daisies. Many varieties also possess strongly-scented foliage that acts as a natural insect repellent. Image Size: 15.25 x 13 in. Overall Size: 18 x 15 in. Unframed. (B14712)

Vladimir Beilin (Russian, 20th C.) "Vostok I in Orbit" Original Watercolor painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Russia Vostok I stamp issued May 29, 1992. Piloted by space pioneer Yuri Gagarin, Vostok I blasted into the skies above the USSR's Baikonur Cosmodrome on April 12, 1961. Launched less than four years after the comparatively simple Sputnik I became the first artificial satellite, VostokI was incredibly advanced for its time. Burning liquid oxygen and kerosene, its main engines developed nearly a million pounds of thrust. (By comparison, the rocket that carried the first Americans into orbit was less than half as powerful.) Vostok I's manned module was automatically controlled from the ground, however it had emergency controls for Gagarin. Vostok I also included a TV camera to monitor the cosmonaut, complex life-support and monitoring systems, and even a food locker (though Gagarin's pioneering flight lasted less than two hours). Unlike most later American spacecraft, which splashed down at sea, Vostok I was designed to land on the ground. Gagarin was the only Vostok cosmonaut to remain in his spacecraft for this hard landing, which he found very punishing. Learning from his experience, subsequent Vostok cosmonauts ejected prior to landing, choosing to parachute to Earth from an altitude of more than four miles rather than endure a bone-jarring crash. Upon his return to Earth, Gagarin inspected the Vostok 1, which -- despite its hard landing -- he described as "in good enough shape to be used for another space flight." Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 17.75 x 14 in. Unframed. (B13804)

Charles J. Berger (American, 1922 - 2012) "First Permanent Settlement" Signed lower left. Original Acrylic painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 13c Settlement in Alta, California stamp issued September 9, 1977. As America was struggling for independence along the eastern seaboard of North America, Spain's Charles III was strengthening his hold on Alta (Upper) California along America's future west coast. Consisting of the present states of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona, and parts of New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming, the huge province was a part of New Spain. Earlier installations in the remote area had been primarily military outposts along an inhospitable frontier, peopled by soldiers, their families, and handfuls of missionaries. Such outposts -- presidios is more precise -- were more symbols than defenders of Spanish empire. Provisioning the presidios proved to be a huge problem, situated as they were on strategic, but infertile, sites. As a solution, Governor Felipe de Neve gathered together fourteen families and sent them north under the leadership and protection of Lieutenant Jose Joaquin Moraga and a few soldiers. In a fertile area just to the southeast of today's San Francisco Bay, on November 29, 1777, they founded the Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe. The name honored both Saint Joseph and the nearby Guadalupe River. That first civil settlement in all of Alta California had one primary purpose: to be a granary for the military outposts. The first buildings consisted of earthen-roofed houses whose walls were palisaded logs. Today, nothing remains of those first Spanish civil buildings, erected nearly two centuries ago on the spot that is today's San Jose, California. Image Size: 12 x 13 in. Overall Size: 17.25 x 20 in. Unframed. (B05475)

Jim Butcher (American, B. 1944) "Farm at Night" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally used on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 22c Rural Electrication Adminstration stamp issued May 11, 1985. One of the most far-reaching events to take place in the history of farming in the United States occurred when electricity was made available to rural areas. On May 11, 1935, President Roosevelt created the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) by Executive Order. The Act authorized the REA to serve as a lending agency and to develop a program for rural electrification. The rural electricity movement became viable when farmers formed seven cooperatives which were granted loans to extend electricity to their areas. Two of these original cooperatives are still functioning -- the Volunteer Electric Cooperative of Decatur, Tennessee, and the Boone County Rural Electric Membership of Lebanon, Indiana. Since its creation, the REA has approved almost sixty billion dollars in loans to assist nearly twelve million electricity consumers and over five million telephone subscribers. The Association represents more than one thousand rural electric systems, which own and maintain nearly half of the nation's poles and powerlines. In 1935, only ten percent of American farms had electricity. Today, ninety-nine percent of all rural residents enjoy the comfort and convenience it affords. Not only has the lifestyle of rural Americans improved dramatically as a result of the REA, but electric power has contributed greatly to the U.S. agriculture industry's becoming the most productive in the world. Image Size: 18.5 x 16 in. Overall Size: 25.5 x 22 in. Unframed. (B09593)

Keith Bowen (UK, B. 1950) "Redwing Thrush" Signed lower left. Original Chalk on Construction Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the Great Britain 33p Wintertime Redwing Thrush stamp issued January 14, 1992. Large, stout and sturdy-legged, the redwing is an annual winter visitor to Britain. True thrushes are found on all continents except Australia and Antarctica. This thrush family member most commonly occurs in Scandinavia and north Russia, but seeks more hospitable environments during harsh northern winters. Spotted-breasted like other thrush relatives, the redwing sports reddish-brown wings and flanks. It inhabits open grasslands and farmlands, where remnants of spring cultivation still yield respectable harvests of insect life. The redwing digs up its food, and frozen ground means that a sizable number of these birds perish during excessively frigid winters. As winters wanes and the weather warms, the redwing flies northward to nest. The redwing nest resembles a grass cup and can be found on the ground or in trees and shrubs. Its foundation is comprised of twigs and earth, and the female somtimes embellishes it with lichen or moss. In early summer she lays from four to six eggs which are blue-green in color and are flecked with reddish-brown markings. She incubates for approximately two weeks, and the hatchlings are fed by both parents for 14 days thereafter. This artwork features an image of this unadorned member of the thrush family, which remains one of Britain's most vocal wintertime visitors. Image Size: 18 x 21 in. Overall Size: 22 x 26 in. Unframed. (B13556)

Mel Crawford (Canadian, B. 1925) "A Pause in the Sleigh Ride" Signed lower left. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Canada 17c Merry Christmas Joyeux Noel 1980 issued October 22, 1980. A fresh, soft snowfall enhances the magic of Christmas like nothing else. It brings the grand beauty of a wintry landscape, the pleasure of hearing snow creak underfoot, the longing for a cozy house and a blazing fire. Snow gives homes the smell of ski wax and wet mittens. It thrills children, who can scarcely wait to dash outdoors and build a jolly snowman. Mother's broom, Dad's old hat, two black coals, a corncob pipe and they are off. What fun winter brings for the young child; what nostalgia for the parents. The Couttes Company of Canada drew on the gaiety and tradition of winter's first snowfall when creating their company's Christmas cards -- the very first for Canada. Dating from the 1930s, these cards -- one of which is depicted on the stamp on this First Day Cover -- must have charmed many a family. On the days when the postman could trudge through the deep Canadian snow bearing packages and letters, many a young child probably waited eagerly to open the Couttes cards. Bright colors, painted ribbons, smiling figures, clever verses . . . all were part of the delightful card sealed inside the envelope. Then, carefully so as not to tear the delicate pictures, the card was hung on the Christmas tree as an ornament. From those early days, the Christmas card has become a favorite tradition in Canada, a special way of remembering friends spread far across the expansive Canadian countryside. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 17.25 x 15 in. Unframed. (B06720)

Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Marshall Islands Christmas" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media on Illustration Board painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Republic of the Marshall Islands Christmas 2000 stamp issued October 26, 2000. On Christmas Day, men and women around the world set aside their differences and come together to celebrate the birth of Christ. The festive tradition of trimming the Christmas Tree originated in 16th century Germany. By the mid-1800s, the practice had spread throughout the world. Many holiday traditions have found their way across the vast reaches of the Pacific Ocean. Christmas has been celebrated in the Marshall Islands since the 1850s, when the first American Protestant missionaries arrived. In the Marshall Islands the Christmas spirit comes alive as colorful lights and ornaments decorate streets, shops, homes and trees. The Marshall Islanders have some of the most beautiful Christmas Trees in the world -- majestic palm trees showered with sparkling lights. Christmas is the most anticipated holiday in the Marshall Islands and is celebrated with festive foot-stomping dances and music. Image Size: 14.5 x 8.75 in. Overall Size: 17.75 x 12.25 in. Unframed. (B16881)

Tom McNeely (Canadian, B. 1935) "Ameripex '86 And the Chicago Skyline" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 22c Ameripex '86 stamp issued May 25, 1995. To celebrate stamp collecting and to bring together philatelists from around the world, the United States sponsored Ameripex '86 -- an International Philatelic Exhibition held in Chicago, Illinois. Image Size: 20 x 17 in. Overall Size: 26.75 x 22 in. Unframed. (B09427)

Tom McNeely (Canadian, B. 1935) "The Fruited Plain" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the 32c Flag Over Porch Self-Adhesive Coil stamp issued January 24, 1997. "O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain/ For purple mountain majesties, above the fruited plain." When Katharine Lee Bates gazed from the summit of Pike's Peak across the rolling plains of America spreading out before her, she was inspired to write America the Beautiful, a song celebrating this nation's beauty and majesty. This painting by Tom McNeely is one of four paying tribute to America the Beautiful and to the richness and beauty of America's countryside. Image Size: 28.75 x 21 in. Overall Size: 29.75 x 21.75 in. Unframed. (B15342)

Jim Butcher (American, B. 1944) "Winter Mischief" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 15c Cape Cod Windmill stamp issued February 7, 1980. Whirling wildly or stopping completely when not driven by the declining breeze, windmills always obey the wind. About 644 A.D. Persian millwrights discovered the power generated by attaching sails to center posts that were twirled around by the wind. Modern windmills, intricately designed and usually made of newer materials, are still based on these original principles of harnessing wind power. As successors of the ancient Persian windmills, America's mills were first built in the colonies by the Puritans. Perhaps the oldest mill on Cape Cod, the Eastham Mill, best represents these original Puritan structures. Built sometime before 1793, its style, traditionally found in the Netherlands, was once common among the mills that dotted the Atlantic coast during this country's early history. Hundreds of these mills once pumped ocean water into storage vats to extract the salt. But, once salt deposits were found inland, the process was abandoned as primitive, and the mills were allowed to decay. The years of work and wear soon took their toll on the neglected mills and, of those that actually pumped water to extract salt, not one is left standing. The Cape Cod Windmill depicted on this artwork represents those working mills. Its sails seem to recall the days when wind awakened them and rumbled their revolving wheels. And, although it has not operated for many years, it is a testimony to its miller's careful management, a respected trade that was often passed down for several generations. Image Size: 22.5 x 17.5 in. Overall Size: 28.5 x 23.5 in. Unframed. (B05999)

Dennis Lyall (American, B. 1946) "Sailing Ship of Discovery" Signed lower right. Original Oil on Canvas board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 29c Juan Rodr?guez Cabrillo stamp issued September 28, 1992. Little is known of Juan Cabrillo's early life. It is believed he was born in Portugal, and as a young man may have participated in Panfilo de Narvaez's failed disciplinary expedition against Hernan Cortes, conqueror of the Aztecs of Mexico. He apparently abandoned Narvaez at Vera Cruz and joined forces with Cortes. Some sources speculate that Cabrillo later joined Pedro de Alvarado and helped to conquer the region now occupied by Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Hoping to find cities filled with gold and a water passage between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, Cabrillo set sail in 1542 from New Spain -- present day Mexico -- to explore the Pacific coast of North America. The first European to set eyes on the California coastline, Cabrillo sailed to San Diego and San Pedro harbors, Santa Catalina island, the islands of the Santa Barbara Channel and Monterey Bay. He sailed as far north as Point Reyes, but missed the San Francisco bay area. Cabrillo moved south to winter on San Miguel Island, and died in early 1543 from injuries suffered in a fall. However, Cabrillo's quest continued as his pilot, Bartolome Farmers, sailed north later that year and is believed to have reached the Oregon coast. Although he did not discover cities filled with riches or a passageway to the Atlantic coast, Cabrillo and his accomplishments are commemorated at the Cabrillo National Monument at San Diego Bay. Image Size: 15.25 x 20.5 in. Overall Size: 17.75 x 22.5 in. Unframed. (B13971)

Dick Simms (American, B. 1932) "Stutz Bearcat 1933" Signed lower left. Original Oil on Acrylic Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 11c Stutz Bearcat 1933 stamp issued June 11, 1985. Harry C. Stutz had designed automobiles for fourteen years before starting his own car company in 1910. The first automobile Stutz produced was a racing car that he built in only five weeks and entered in the first Indianapolis 500 auto race in 1911. Although the car did not win the race, it averaged almost seventy miles-per-hour and required no mechanical adjustments during the entire race. In 1914, Stutz introduced the legendary "Bearcat" model which became one of the best known sports cars in America. The Bearcat featured a low chassis, raked steering column, two bucket seats and a three speed gearbox. While Stutz knew the quality of his cars, he also knew the value of publicity. Therefore, when a customer brought back his newly acquired Bearcat, protesting that its performance was below standard, Stutz handed the car over to the famous driver E.G. "Cannonball" Baker, who used the very same car to break the trans-American speed record. This feat helped secure the reputation of the legendary Stutz Bearcat Sportscar. Image Size: 12.25 x 17 in. Overall Size: 15.25 x 19.75 in. Unframed. (B09612)

Donald Moss (1920 - 2010) "Trinity Church" Boston. Signed lower left. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.This painting was published on a Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 15c Trinity Church, Boston stamp issued on October 9, 1980. Trinity Church, one of America's great nineteenth century churches stands in Boston's Copley Square, both monument and temple of America's freedom of religion and the revolution in American architecture effected by architect Henry Hobson Richardson (1838-1886). Originally planned in 1872 at the urging of Trinity Church's Rector Phillips Brooks -- universally known for his beautiful Christmas carol, "O Little Town of Bethlehem" -- Trinity Church was consecrated in 1877, but was not completed until 1897. Its style was a free rendering of the French Romanesque which flourished in eleventh century France. Its silhouette was Byzantine. Its lantern tower influenced by Spain's Salamanca Cathedral. And its centralized Byzantine Greek-cross plan inspired by St. Mark's Cathedral in Venice, which the glowing color of the great barrel vaults evokes today. The effect was a temple of worship which made one think he had a pass-key to the Golden Gates. And it was most importantly Richardson's first use of what came to be called Richardson Romanesque style, which made him the first American architect to have an international reputation as well as the most important architect of his generation in America. Though truly neither Richardson's, nor Romanesque, the style inspired thousands of buildings across America between 1880 and 1895, and emphasized honest use of materials and structure -- a principle leading directly to the twentieth century's "new architecture." Image Size: 14.5 x 15 in. Overall Size: 20 x 17.25 in. Unframed. (B06019)

Howard Koslow (American, 1924 - 2016) "Germany United "Wir Sind Ein Volk"" Signed lower right. Acrylic on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 45 Wir Sind Ein Volk stamp issued October 3, 1990. Germany's 360-day march to freedom began on October 9, 1989, outside the St. Nicholas Church in the East German city of Leipzig. That evening, thousands gathered armed with no more than candles and the moving chant: "We are the people!" In the space of a few months, East Germany's totalitarian regime had literally evaporated. By June, the year 1990 was being called the "Year of German Unity." The end became a new beginning: October 3, 1990, the quest for freedom and unity which began with the chant "We are the people!" was confidently answered by the refrain, "We are one people!" This painting celebrates this historic event. Image Size: 12.5 x 15.5 in. Overall Size: 18.75 x 20 in. Unframed. (B12696)

Ivan Kozlov (Russian, B. 1937) "Red-Crested Pochard" Signed and dated ('90) lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on a First Day Cover for a Russia Duck stamp issued July 1, 1990. The Red-crested Pochard is a good-looking European duck, about the same size as the Mallard. Like all diving ducks, the Red-crested Pochard prefers to be out in the middle of its home waters and therefore is very easy to observe, though sometimes only through field glasses at great distances. In fact, this duck is now found solely on large, open expanses of water and will approach the banks only at nesting time, when it searches for the camouflaging thickets of reeds where it hides its nest. The handsome drake can be recognized by its vivid orangish-red bill and big red head, black chest and brown wings with orange and white markings. The plump brown hen sports crisp white cheek patches. This waterfowl breeds extensively in Eurasia and its playful courtship antics delight duck enthusiasts in the USSR, making this bird the perfect choice to grace a Soviet postage stamp. Ivan Koslov's beautiful stamp design and handsome cachet art faithfully record the essence of this lively bird. The cachet features a mated pair of Red-crested Pochards descending toward the marshy banks of their Soviet lake habitat. These birds' powerful wings are a focal point of the picture and the hen's legs, extended for a landing, are clearly set far back on her body, attesting to the fact that the Red-crest is a diving duck. The position of the legs makes the duck awkward on land, but contributes greatly to its maneuverability under the water. Image Size: 6.75 x 5.75 in. Overall Size: 9.75 x 7.75 in. Unframed. (B12461)

Jim Butcher (American, B. 1944) "Probes of the Sun/Space Achievement" Signed and dated (1981) lower right. Original Oil painting on Canvas. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. Space Achievements 18c Probes of the Sun stamp issued May 21, 1981. Two hundred and seventy miles above the earth provided an excellent vantage point for Skylab's solar instruments in 1973. Here the sun's ultraviolet and X-ray emissions are not absorbed by the earth's atmosphere but can be recorded directly, exposing a wealth of information unavailable to astronomers on the surface. Also, the extremely faint outer atmosphere of the sun, the corona, can be seen in detail from earth only during rare total solar eclipses, a few minutes at a time. Above the atmosphere, Skylab could observe the corona nearly continuously. These advantages governed the selection of Skylab's data-gathering telescopes: two X-ray instruments, one from American Science and Engineering, the other from Marshall Space Flight Center; two ultraviolet instruments from the Naval Research Lab and a third from Harvard College Observatory; and a coronagraph from the High Altitude Observatory in Colorado. The astronauts operating these instruments had great "scientific leverage." Watching televised displays in Skylab, they made decisions on when, where and how to use each instrument. The flight crews were only the visible part of an enormous behind-the-scenes effort. More than two hundred scientists and engineers monitored and helped plan daily operations of the instruments. Image Size: 18.25 x 18.25 in. Overall Size: 22 x 22 in. Unframed. (B06947)

Keith Reynolds (American, B. 1929) "Trading Schooner Equator" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Canvas Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 46c Trading Schooner Equator stamp issued September 25, 1995. Though little historical information about the trading schooner Equator remains, the vessel was mentioned by Robert Louis Stevenson in his 1896 novel In the South Seas. Due to its small size -- just over 66 feet long with a displacement of 72 tons -- Stevenson referred to the Equator as a "pygmy" schooner. Though the craft was built as a sailing vessel, she was later converted to steam power. Today, the Equator is owned by the city of Everett, Washington. Though she spent her last years of duty as a steam tug, plans to restore the Equator to her original glory have recently been discussed. Image Size: 16.75 x 24 in. Overall Size: 20 x 24 in. Unframed. (B15179)

Erik Nitsche (Swiss, 1908 - 1998) "Graphic of Flags of United Nations" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Germany 80pf International Year of Peace stamp issued June 20, 1986. Since its founding in 1945 -- following the horrible struggle and destruction of World War II -- the member-countries of the United Nations have dedicated themselves to the mediation of international disputes to avoid armed conflict, and to engendering a spirit of peaceful cooperation between goverments around the world. During the celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the United Naitons, the General Assembly proclaimed 1986 as "The International Year of Peace." The year highlighted and promoted the joint efforts of United Nations member-countries in increasing the climate for world peace and cooperation. This artwork represents the national flags of the United Nations members in a cathedral-like abstraction, highlighted with the blue and white colors of the United Nations flag. Image Size: 12 x 14 in. Overall Size: 15 x 20 in. Unframed. (B10463)

Erik Nitsche (Swiss, 1908 - 1998) "Representation of Satellites in Orbit" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Germany 80pf European Satellite Technology stamp issued June 20, 1986. Since the launch of Sputnik 1 by the Soviet Union in 1957, satellites have played an increasingly important role in man's ability to gather and transmit information. Although the United States and the Soviet Union have been long considered the leaders in satellite technology, other nations have begun and expanded their own satellite technology. This is particularly true in Europe. In 1980, a Franco-German agreement was reached about the development, production, and launch of two direct broadcasting satellites of which one was intended for the area of the Federal Republic of Germany (known as TV-SAT) and the other for the area of the Republic of France (known as TDF 1). With the launch of the German broadcasting satellite, and within the framework of the joint project, full attention was paid to the impressive advance made in satellite technology and the efficiency of this burgeoning European industry. Image Size: 12 x 14 in. Overall Size: 15 x 20 in. Unframed. (B09753)

Herb Kawainui Kane (American, 1928 - 2011) "Flowers of the Pacific - Vanda" Signed lower left. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 33c Vanda stamp issued February 18, 1999. Perhaps the largest family of flowering plants, Orchidaceae includes about 800 genera and some 20,000 species distributed throughout the world. All are perennial herbs with swollen stem bases and tuberous roots. Arranged spirally or in two opposite rows, the leaves are often thick and leathery. Some orchids are no larger than a person's thumbnail. Others, however, have flowers with petals two feet long! Many of the tropical species thrive on the surfaces of tree branches and trunks where their aerial roots dangle freely beneath them. Although Orchidaceae flowers are of a vast range of form, size and color, they are always breathtaking. The tropical Vandas are among the most beautiful with their flowers poised like graceful butterflies on slender stems. Image Size: 12.75 x 16 in. Overall Size: 14.75 x 20 in. Unframed. (B16265)

Herb Kawainui Kane (American, 1928 - 2011) "Traditional Marshallese Messenger" Signed lower right. Original Oil on Illustration Board. Comes with original sketch of stamp layout also. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 29c 10th Anniversary of Postal Service Souvenir Sheet issued May 2, 1994. Before mail service was initiated in the Marshall Islands, correspondence was transported both by foot and canoe. When missives were sent between chiefs, the messenger would also deliver a gift chosen in accordance with the recipient's status. Often the token would be a fine handcrafted item or food, such as preserved pandanus fruit. Even the dress of the carrier was determined by the recipient's social position. When messages were brought by canoe, the carrier stood by the outrigger section of the boat and signaled to those on shore. A raised paddle was a sign of peace while one that was vigorously waved indicated that the message was urgent. In 1984, the government of the Marshall Islands established its own postal administration for domestic mail. This painting displays traditional methods of message delivery. Image Size: 21.25 x 27.25 in. Overall Size: 23.75 x 29.75 in. Unframed. (B14646)

Arthur Singer (New York, 1917 - 1990) "Western Meadowlark and Goldenrod" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor paintng on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 20c Nebraska: Western Meadowlark and Goldenrod stamp issued on April 14, 1982. Western Meadowlark - After leaving the nest, the young Western Meadowlarks spend about two weeks with their parents, learning to hunt beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets. In winter the birds subsist on seeds and waste grain. Not only has the Meadowlark befriended all America by cheering people with his flute-like, liquid songs, but he is also a helpful ally in beating back the encroachment of weeds and insects. Meadowlarks live mainly in monogamy, but a male may have several females. Both sexes are noted for their jubilant whistles. Meadowlarks are decidedly ground birds and the females often build roofed-over nests. Goldenrod - Each yellow spray on the Goldenrod is made up of hundreds of individual flowers. The erect, strong stalk is branched, and each branch bears on its upper side a number of small flower heads about one-third of an inch in height. Each head is, in turn, made up of very tiny florets packed tightly in a green cup. These miniature florets either have a banner petal to attract insects or are tube-shaped and produce the pollen and nectar prized by the visitors. Both types of florets produce seeds. As the floret fades, the fuzzy tuft growing near its base develops. This tuft acts as a balloon floating the ripe seed away on gentle puffs of wind. Image Size: 13.75 x 11.75 in. Overall Size: 19.5 x 17.5 in. Unframed. (B05106)

Arthur Singer (New York, 1917 - 1990) "Mockingbird and Iris" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 20c Tennessee: Mockingbird and Iris stamp issued on April 14, 1982. Mockingbird - Intensely territorial, the Mockingbird stands ready to attack any creature that invades his domain, especially fellow Mockingbirds. "Dogfights" involving six or more Mockingbirds bombing on each other are not uncommon. It is thought by some scientists that the Mockingbird's song may have survival value. This bird's continuous imitation of other sounds may be designed to better express individual differences. There is considerable evidence that song is not merely an announcement of the species, but also an individual bird's identity tag. The Mockingbird's so-called courtship dance, which involves flashing of the wings, is not that at all, but rather vying for position in territorial fights. Iris - There are more than two hundred species of Irises that grow wild, and thousands of hybrids, but all have two common characteristics: sword-shaped leaves and a distinctive flower structure consisting of three usually erect petals, called standards, and three outer petals, or sepals, that hang down from the base of the blossom. The arrangement of these parts is peculiar and their duties unusual. A bee, instead of settling on the petals that arch upward from the flower's center, uses the broad sepals as a landing field. The sepals curve downward and have honey-guide markings and sometimes golden "beards." Irises come in a stunning range of colors -- hence the name Iris, after the Greek goddess of the rainbow. Image Size: 13.75 x 11.75 in. Overall Size: 19.5 x 17.5 in. Unframed. (B05100)

Arthur Singer (New York, 1917 - 1990) "Western Meadowlark and Oregon Grape" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 20c Oregon: Western Meadowlark and Oregon Grape stamp issued on April 14, 1982. Western Meadowlark - In 1844, Audubon commented on the curious notes uttered by Western Meadowlarks along the upper Missouri River. He observed that although the species was known to members of the Lewis and Clark expedition, no one had taken the least notice of these birds since. Consequently, Audubon named the Western Meadowlark, Sturnella neglecta. Today the tag no longer fits. Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, and Wyoming have picked Meadowlarks as their state birds. The Western Meadowlark unleashes a bubbling medley of rich, flutelike phrases that is well-known from the Great Pacific Ocean. Oregon Grape - The Lewis and Clark Expedition into the Northwest Territory is credited with bringing the Oregon Grape to the East where it has been grown and appreciated as an ornamental flower ever since. The Oregon Grape's lustrous, dark green, leathery leaves, pyramidal spikes of bright yellow flowers, and light blue grape-like fruits in early summer, make it effective for use in many garden situations. By autumn the fruit develops into grape-like bunches of bright purple berries. The fruit is edible, and sometimes jelly is made from it. The Oregon Grape (or holly grape as it is also called) was used by the Indians and early pioneers as food, medicine, and drink. Image Size: 13.75 x 11.75 in. Overall Size: 19.5 x 17.5 in. Unframed. (B05075)

Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "German Cruiser - Admiral Hipper" Original Oil on Canvas painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Marshall Islands Battle of the Barents Sea 29c Admiral Hipper stamp issued December 31, 1992. Shortly after 7 a.m., the Admiral Hipper opened fire on the convoy and within hours had sunk the destroyers Achates and Onslow. As the German battleship Lutzow sailed into the midst of the merchantmen, two British light cruisers -- the Sheffield and Jamaica -- appeared on the horizon, fired on the Hipper and scored a direct hit. Vice Admiral Oscar Kummetz, the ships's commander, ordered his cruiser to withdraw. The Lutzow followed posthaste. Enraged by the fleet's failure, Hitler ordered it scrapped. A compromise introduced by the new Grand Admiral, Karl Donitz, ultimately saved Germany's navy. Image Size: 13.5 x 16.25 in. Overall Size: 17.5 x 20.25 in. Unframed. (B14034)

Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "Battle of North Cape - HMS Duke of York" Original Oil on Canvas painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 29c Battle of North Cape 1943 HMS Duke of York stamp issued December 26, 1993. Sailing amidst a convoy loaded with supplies for Britain's Soviet allies, the battleship HMS Duke of York was ready, willing and able to deliver a shocking blow to Germany's war effort. For nearly two months at the end of 1943, Allied convoys voyaging between Scotland and Russia's arctic port of Murmansk had been unmolested by German forces. But on December 26, 1943, Germans aboard the battlecruiser Scharnhorst proposed a change. Little did they know that the Duke of York, captained by Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser, was prepared to save the day for convoy JW-55B. In a battle that saw Germany lose its last seaworthy battlecruiser, the Duke of York and several British destroyers sent nearly 2,000 German sailors aboard the doomed Scharnhorst to Davy Jones's locker. Image Size: 13.5 x 16.75 in. Overall Size: 16.75 x 19.75 in. Unframed. (B14458)

Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "Convoy PQ-17 Destroyed - German U-Boat" Original Oil on Canvas painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 29c Convoy PQ-17 Destroyed 1942 German U-Boat stamp issued July 5, 1992. The German U-boats preyed on Convoy PQ-17 like sharks. Circling voraciously, the enemy submarines picked their targets and attacked at will. During the fearsome days of July 5 through July 8, the enemy sank most of the 35 ships; less than a dozen reached Archangel. The loss of lives was onerous, and the loss of supplies was inestimable. Of the original 200,000 tons of cargo, only 70,000 reached Archangel. The German "wolf packs" had deprived the Soviet military of valuable supplies, including more than 400 tanks, 200 aircraft, and 3,300 vehicles. Image Size: 13.5 x 16.25 in. Overall Size: 17.5 x 20.25 in. Unframed. (B13865)

A SILVER AND CLEAR GLASS TWO COMPARTMENTED STAMP BOX, Birmingham 1915, of rectangular form with plain hinged cover; together with a Georgian revival baluster shaper sugar caster, Birmingham c. 1939, mark of Baker Brothers Silver Ltd., with pierced cover and pointed finial over a facetted body and circular foot. 18 cm long.

1997 Jaguar XK8 4.0 Coupe Auto Make: JaguarModel: Xk8Year: 1997Mileage: 91340VIN: 98387Configuration: Right Hand DriveRegistration: R457WAWTransmission: AutomaticPLEASE SEE BELOW FOR VIDEO PRODUCED 17TH JULY BY ACA OF THIS CAR This XK8 4.0 Coupe was retained by it's first owner until at least 2010 with three further keepers thereafter. It comes with the original service book containing four main dealer stamps covering from 1998 to 2002, two specialist stamps for 2006 and 2009 and one further stamp in 2011. The file is complete with MoT history dating from 2006 to the present, manuals, wallet and spare keys. Mileage recorded at 91,340.

1996 Honda Legend AutoMake: HondaModel: LegendYear: 1996Mileage: Contact AuctioneerVIN: 100168Configuration: Right Hand DriveRegistration: N885JLMTransmission: AutomaticPLEASE SEE BELOW FOR VIDEO PRODUCED 28TH JULY BY ACA OF THIS CAR. 3,474cc. 202 bhp. Finished in Crescent silver with black leather interior. This third generation of Honda's flagship model is described by the vendor as being in lovely condition both inside and out. It comes with nineteen stamps of main dealer service history between 1996 at 4,659 miles to 2016 at 86,525 miles plus one further stamp in 2019 at 92,455 miles. Hence the warranted mileage of 93,314. It registers six owners from new. During 2019 it was subject to around £800 expenditure. The history file is completed by MoT history from 2006 to the present, 2019 receipts, manuals and wallet. We have been advised that it runs and drives without any faults.

1971 Volvo 144 DL AutoMake: Volvo Model: 144 DL Year: 1971Mileage: 55050VIN: 103507Configuration: Right Hand DriveRegistration: OPR683JTransmission: Automatic 1,986cc. The current owner purchased this Volvo 144 from Anglia Car Auctions in 2016. He advises that he has covered around 600 miles since and describes it as starting and driving fine. Five registered owners. It comes with a few MoTs dating between 2004 and 2017, copy older V5, original service book with pdi stamp, owner's manual and tax discs. The mileage is recorded at 55,050.

Early 20th Century Costume comprising a white rabbit capelet; black silk capelet with pleated trim and multi buttons; peach silk shawl with fringed trim; lilac underskirt with pink lining and pleated trim; cream under skirt with net trim hem; red silk jacket with ruffle trim to the edges; long sleeve patterned silk shirt with multi buttons to the front; Stamp Taylor Model red, black and green checked dress with a gathered and scooped neckline, short sleeves, belt and a-line skirt (8)

William Lee Hankey (1869 - 1952) Denise, Etching, With Blind Stamp & Signed in pencil, in a glazed frame, 14 x 22cm

Mixed Lot of Pewter Wares, circa 19th century, To include a Church Flagon, Chargers, and Bowl, The Bowl having a London maker stamp, Also with a Silver Plated stand by Mappin & Webb, (6)Condition reportThis is approximately 40cm in diameter and approximately 28cm high

Pair of Royal Worcester Blush Ivory Vases, circa late 19th / early 20th century, Decorated with Gilded Floral Sprays and Garlands, Pattern no 1762, Purple Puce Stamp to Underside, No 238381, 21cm high, (2)Condition reportChips to rim of one vase.

Peter Scott (1909-1989) "Flying Ducks" Signed Print, Signed in pencil, Blind stamp to lower left, 35.5cm x 53.5cm

Peter Scott (1909-1989) "Flying Ducks" Signed Print, Signed in pencil, Blind stamp to lower left, 35.5cm x 53.5cm

Cast Iron Fireplace, Having ten Minton style tiles, Irish Clover stamp to reverse, With Grate and Guard, Also with a Brass Fire Curb, Fireplace 98cm high, 97cm wideCondition reportThe fireplace is a Reproduction.Chips and surface marks to the metal.The accessories are not original to the fireplace.

Peter Scott (1909-1989) "Flying Ducks" Signed Print, Signed in pencil, Blind stamp to lower left, 35.5cm x 53.5cm

Archibald Thorburn (1860-1935) "Flying Game Birds" Signed Print, Signed in pencil, Blind stamp to lower left, 38.5cm x 51cm

George Ibberson & Co of Sheffield, Clasp Knife, Pat Nos 978245.896270 Ref Nos 895076. 938732-5, Marked to the grip Barlow Shackler Knife, Also with two similar Military Issue Knifes, Marked Watts 1945 to one, and R B S 1953, No 448, C C 1286 to the other, Both having the Broad Arrow stamp and text Oil the Joints, Blades 6.5cm long, (3)

3 large stamp albums

Copper tobacco/snuff box with hinged lid and copper badge made from copper sheathing of Nelson's flagship 'Foudroyant. Engraved to base Charles Edwin Broughton Goole 1901 and stamp of Goole shipyard inside. 8 x 6cms. Condition ReportDents to front sides.

Early and mid 20thC North Eastern Railway Ticket Stock book, Burton Agnes, a Movaleaf Stamp Album, stamps of the world, Masonic Wilberforce lodge history, Skol cribbage board and photo prints of sailing ships and barge.

Collection of board games and books. Monopoly, Othello, Totopoly, Pairs, Tell Me, Marbles, Draughts, Postcard books, Cigarette card albums, Train Spotters booklets, Stamp albums etc.

Capodimonte figurine, Woman breastfeeding baby, 26cms h and Postman, 26cms h, printed stamp to base. Condition ReportBoth in good condition. 

A Bergman Style Cold painted bronze of a crocodile, its detachable back revealing a crouching naked lady, 8.5ins long (with Bergman stamp to base).

A tray of mixed collectables to include dominoes, opera glasses, stamp box and teething ring.

A collection of Victorian postal history including pre-stamp entries (40 items)