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Hodges Soileau (American, B. 1943) "Red Cloud" Signed lower middle. Original Oil painting on Canvas laid on Foam Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 10c Red Cloud stamp issued on August 15, 1987. Born in 1822 on Blue Creek in Nebraska, Red Cloud earned a reputation as a warrior, diplomat and leader. Described as a natural born gentleman, he led an independent band in the 1860's, and was eventually accepted as leader of the Oglala Sioux -- the largest Teton Sioux tribe. Throughout this period the Oglala dominated the rich Powder River hunting grounds of Wyoming and Montana. Meanwhile, as the Civil War raged eastward, John Bozeman was sent to map a trail through Oglala territory to the Montana goldfields. Red Cloud strongly opposed the route and the three forts built along the trail. He kept relentless pressure on the government and the forts until he succeeded in forcing their abandonment. He won both victory and peace with the treaty he signed on November 6, 1868. In his later years, Red Cloud continued to lead the Oglalas, and on October 7, 1878 he established the Sioux Agency. Blind and ailing, he died December 10, 1909. Image Size: 10.25 x 13.25 in. Overall Size: 13.25 x 16.25 in. Unframed. (B11202)

Howard Koslow (New Jersey, New York, 1924 - 2016) "Casablanca Conference - FDR and Winston Churchill" Signed lower right. 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 Marshall Islands 29c Casablanca Conference 1943 stamp issued January 14, 1993. In January of 1943, U.S.President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill met in Casablanca, Morocco, to discuss Allied war strategy. Soviet Marshall Joseph Stalin could not attend the historic meeting because of the upcoming Russian offensive. Although Roosevelt and Churchill had differing opinions on how the war should progress, they nevertheless reached a compromise. The agreed upon plan -- Operation Husky -- provided for the invasion of Sicily. This action would allow the Allies to secure Mediterranean supply routes, alleviate German pressure on the Russians and force Italy out of the war. Image Size: 12 x 14.75 in. Overall Size: 17.75 x 20 in. Unframed. (B14027)

Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "Winston Churchill, War Correspondent 1899-1900" Original Oil on Masonite 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 60c Winston Churchill War Correspondent in South Africa 1899-1900 stamp issued June 16, 2000. Born on November 30, 1874, at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, England, Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill graduated from the Royal Military College at Sandhurst. After his valiant service in India and Sudan with the 4th Hussars -- a cavalry regiment -- he resigned from the British army in 1899. When the Boer War began in October of that year, he went to Africa as a war correspondent for London's Morning Post. Within two weeks after his arrival, the Boers ambushed an armored train on which he was riding, and Churchill was captured and imprisoned. On December 12, he scaled the prison wall, slipped unnoticed by an armed sentry and boldly walked through an outer gate to freedom. Traveling on freight trains, he crossed 300 miles of enemy territory to safety. Churchill's daring escape made him a national hero. Image Size: 9.5 x 13.75 in. Overall Size: 14.5 x 18.5 in. Unframed. (B16823)

Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "Winston Churchill, Knight and Nobel Prize Winner" Oil on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Republic of the Marshall Islands $1 Winston Churchill Appointed Knight and Nobel Prize for Literature 1946-1965 stamp issued June 16, 2000. "From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an Iron Curtain has descended across the Continent." Winston Churchill's moving speech in 1946 at Fulton, Missouri, was a fine example of his ability to fan the flames of passion and patriotism. Following World War II, Churchill was admired the world over, receiving honorary degrees, medals and gifts. He received the Order of Merit, Britain's highest civilian award and was knighted in 1953. Later that year, he won the Nobel Prize for Literature for his many writings, most notably his magnificent six-volume The Second World War (1948-53). Beloved by the American people for his inspiring leadership during the war and for his devotion to the cause of freedom, Churchill was made an honorary citizen of the United States in 1963. His service in Parliament spanned over 60 years and ended with his retirement in 1964. Churchill died on January 24, 1965, at the age of 90. He was given a hero's burial at St. Martin's Churchyard in Oxfordshire, near his birthplace, Blenheim Palace. Image Size: 9.5 x 13.75 in. Overall Size: 14.5 x 18.5 in. Unframed. (B16835)

Tom Lydon (American, B. 1944) "Crowfoot" Signed lower left. Original Chalk 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 Canada 34c Crowfoot stamp issued September 5, 1986. Crowfoot was the Head Chief of the united Canadian Blackfoot tribes. He was born about 1836, the son of Many Names -- a Blackfoot tribal chief -- and Writing Woman -- a Blood Indian. Named Bear Ghost in his youth, Crowfoot took part in his first raid when he was thirteen. Soon after attaining full manhood, he became a respected and feared warrior among the Blackfoot and Crow Indians. He fought in nineteen battles and was wounded in six. His first significant contact with Canada's white settlers came in 1866 when he rescued Father Albert Lacombe from a hostile band of Cree Indians who were at war with the Crows. As he grew in tribal stature, Crofoot realized the folly of intertribal warfare and persuaded the Blackfoot tribes to join together. As a result, at the signing of the Treaty of the Seven in 1877, Crowfoot was made Head Chief of the Blackfoot nation. That same year he received a commendation from Queen Victoria and the Canadian government for refusing to join with American Blackfoot chief Sitting Bull in hostilities against white settlers. He received a pension from the Canadian Pacific Railroad for aiding survey parties crossing his territories in 1883. Crowfoot ruled the Blackfoot nation wisely and even in his later years, he commanded the respect of younger tribal leaders -- especially his adopted son chief Poundmaker -- when he forbade his people to engage in the Northwest Rebellion of 1885. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 20 x 17.25 in. Unframed. (B10545)

Tom McNeely (Canadian, B. 1935) "Older Navajo Man" Signed lower left. 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 of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 22c Navajo Art stamp issued September 4, 1986. Navajo elders are responsible for passing on tribal knowledge and lore. But old-timers avoid telling their stories in the summer, because they fear lightning and the dreaded spirits they believe it brings. indeed, the Navajo are a deeply religious and mystical people. To this day, Navajo medicine men perform curing rituals by creating sand paintings using crushed red sandstone, charcoal and sand to "paint" a healing symbol. Their patients then sit on this sand painting, in hopes of absorbing its healing power and thereby shedding any illness. Mysticism and tradition also prevail in Navajo weavings. For example, the Navajo believe their spirits are captured within the design of their weavings and if their spirits are not allowed to escape, they will eventually go crazy. Thus the Navajo usually weave a thin line of yarn into the blankets, breaking the pattern. This yarn gives their spirits an escape route. Their blanket weavings also express the Navajo's intense reverence for nature's beauty, which is an integral part of Navajo beliefs. Image Size: 15.75 x 19 in. Overall Size: 21.75 x 25.75 in. Unframed. (B10543)

Tom McNeely (Canadian, B. 1935) "Young Navajo Man" Signed lower left. 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 of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 22c Navajo Art stamp issued September 4, 1986. Once the Navajo moved nomadically across America's Southwest. For Navajo weavers, each move meant a new loom had to be constructed, for the old one could not be brought along. Yet, with an ingenuity that has characterized the Navajo for generations, they built looms from materials found in their new surroundings. Weaving tools presented another challenge. They were often hand-fashioned of the hardest woods, which required special searches of the countryside to locate just the right branches of oak, wild holly or mountain mahogany. To construct the loom and tools, the Navajo weaver spent countless hours, yet the most time-consuming work had not even started. For to create the beautiful Navajo weavings, they had to tend the sheep, gather the wool, card and spin yarn, and forage for plants to dye the yarn. Finally, the blanket design was conceived and the blanket painstakingly woven. The Navajo youth pictured is dressed in a traditional costume and jewelry. Image Size: 14.75 x 18.5 in. Overall Size: 21.5 x 25.75 in. Unframed. (B10540)

Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "General Montgomery and General Rommel" Original oil painting on Canvas. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This artwork was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Marshall Islands 29c Battle of El Alamein stamp issued October 23, 1992. One of the turning points of World War II, the battle of El Alamein in North Africa pitted General Erwin Rommel's Afrika Korps against General Bernard Law Montgomery's 8th Army. The battle commenced when 1,000 British guns launched an enormous four-hour artillery barrage on German and Italian positions. Using his 6 to 1 superiority in tanks, Montgomery propelled his forces -- which included the infamous 7th Armored Division Deserts Rats -- into the Axis lines, breaking through on November 4. The Germans were defeated, and Rommel fled to Tunisia. Image Size: 13.5 x 16.75 in. Overall Size: 17.5 x 20.25 in. Unframed. (B14012)

George Sottung (American, 1927 - 1999) "Operation Crossroads at Bikini Atoll - "Baker"" Signed lower left. Original oil painting 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 32+8c "Baker" stamp issued July 1, 1996. The first underwater nuclear test occurred when the "Baker" bomb was detonated on July 25, 1946, at Bikini Atoll. The primary objective of this test was to analyze the effect of a nuclear explosion on naval vessels. Outdated U.S. Navy ships and captured German and Japanese World War II vessels were brought into Bikini lagoon. Encased in a watertight steel caisson, the bomb was suspended 90 feet below the landing ship LSM-60. Radio signals from a command ship closed circuits that armed and then detonated the bomb at 8:45 a.m. A massive column of steam and water erupted from the lagoon, and the explosion created a series of huge waves that struck the target ships. Less than a second after detonation, the first wave -- more than 90 feet high -- crashed into the Carrier Saratoga and the Battleship Arkansas. The Saratoga was swept 800 yards from its mooring point and sank eight hours after the explosion. The Arkansas sank almost immediately, as did the submarines Pilotfish, Apogon, Shipjack and the fuel barge YO-160. Image Size: 13.75 x 16 in. Overall Size: 17.25 x 21 in. Unframed. (B15407)

Gherman Alexeyvich Komlev (Russian, 1933 - 2000) "'Return to Earth" 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 U.S.S.R. 32K Return to Earth stamp issued March 24, 1978. On March 10, 1978, everything was ready to meet and greet the international crew upon its return to Earth. Airplanes and helicopters filled the air. Then, Soyuz 28 entered the atmosphere. Inside, cosmonauts Gubarev and Remek felt the g-load increase. At the mission control center, the descent trajectory of Soyuz 28 showed clearly on the central screen. The dot on the screen stopped suddenly as the vehicle began descending by parachute. The helicopters watched as the descent module made a soft landing on Soviet soil about 310 kilometers west of Tselinograd. Cosmonaut Remek was first to leave the capsule, and he was instantly embraced by friends. A few moments later, veteran cosmonaut Gubarev exited to similar exultation. Soviet scientists were especially jubilant over the success of the Soyuz 28 docking, for some experts had predicted that having both Soyuz 27 and Soyuz 28 docked to the Salyut 6 would result in a "whip" effect that would cause dynamic over-stressing of the entire complex. But their fears proved wrong, and the existence of two docking units at the station was an important step forward in speace technology. Said United States astronaut Eugene Sernan, "The Russians have entered the era of shuttle flights. They can replace crews on board a station as if they were on watch. This is a remarkable achievement. The Russians should be congratulated." Image Size: 7.75 x 9.25 in. Overall Size: 10.25 x 13.25 in. Unframed. (B05909)

Gherman Alexeyvich Komlev (Russian, 1933 - 2000) "Soyuz-Saluyt Docked" 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.S.R. 15K Link-up of Soyuz 28 and Space Station stamp issued March 25, 1978. A day after lift-off, Soyuz 28, with cosmonauts Gubarev and Remek aboard, docked with the Salyut 6-Soyuz 27 manned space station that had been orbiting for almost three months with cosmonauts Y. Romanenko and G. Grechko in control. After the docking, checks were made on the airtightness of the docking unit. Then, cosmonauts Gubarev and Remek entered the Salyut 6 station. The cordial "old residents" gave the new boys in town a traditionally hospitable welcome. The Soyuz 28 crew brought letters, newspapers, and magazines. Soon, however, the planned work fo the joint crew aboard the space station began. The experiments performed included one that studied the oxygen regimen in the tissue of a man who was in a state of weightlessness. Another measured the change in the brightness of stars when they were set behind the night horizon of Earth. Observations of Earth were also made, especially of glaciers and the snow mantle of certain areas. One day was set aside for leisure, a day when the cosmonauts summed up the results of their experiments, exercised, and prepared research reports and personal letters for dispatch to Earth. The cosmonauts actually did the work of postal workers by cancelling several letters with a "Space Mail" postmark. Image Size: 7.75 x 9.25 in. Overall Size: 9.75 x 13.25 in. Unframed. (B05908)

Howard Koslow (1924 - 2016) "Space Exploration - Mercury w/ Mariner 10" Signed lower right. Original Acrylic 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 United States 29c Mercury wtih Mariner 10 stamp issued October 1, 1991. Launched in November 1973, Mariner 10 reached Mercury in March 1974, initiating a series of observations that shed new light on the smallest planet. Mariner approached Mercury on three separate occasions through March 1975, coming as close as 200 miles to the planet's surface and sending back data and photographs that show a world with amazing contrasts. Mercury, it was revealed, has an ancient surface resembling the Earth's Moon, heavily scarred by meteorite impacts. One such crater, named Caloris, is more than 500 miles across. The planet is also characterized by a feature unique to the Solar System -- long, curved scarps (cliffs) that appear to be the result of compression on the planet's crust as it cooled. But on Mercury, cool is a relative term: the planet's surface temperature on the side facing the sun is 950?F. In contrast, Mercury's tenuous atmosphere of argon, neon and helium -- a trillionth the density of Earth's atmosphere -- retains virtually no heat on the planet's night side, with a resulting temperature of -350F. Mariner 10 also revealed that Mercury has a magnetic field, similar to that of Earth yet far weaker, and that the small planet's core is likely comprised of iron. This artwork shows the mosquito-like Mariner 10 as it passes close to the surface of Mercury, beaming back its priceless information to the ever-curious men of Earth. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 19.75 x 17.75 in. Unframed. (B13252)

Howard Koslow (1924 - 2016) "Space Exploration - Mars w/ Viking Orbiter" Signed lower left. Original Acrylic on Illustration Board 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 United States 29c Mars with Viking Orbiter stamp issued October 1, 1991. So similar to Earth, yet so different, Mars has all the ingredients necessary for life as we know it. So said the Viking spacecraft, which explored the Red Planet beginning in 1976. The Martian atmosphere contains oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and even water vapor, though the planet is drier than Earth's driest desert. Still, evidence gathered by Viking shows that at one time water flowed on Mars. There are abundant channels apparently carved by running water -- and scientists analyzing Viking data theorize there was once enough water on Mars to cover the entire planet 33 feet deep. While Viking found no canals, it did observe geological features scientists feel were caused by large bodies of water. Viking also observed storms on Mars, whirling in a cyclonic fashion identical to terrestrial weather phenomena. Other Viking data suggests that Mars was once warmer and its atmosphere substantially thicker than at present. Today, the Martian atmosphere is but 1/100 as thick as Earth's and temperatures are bitterly cold, with daytime highs only approaching -20?F. Much of the planet's scant remaining water is locked in the north polar cap, which grows in the winter and shrinks in the summer, and in a layer of underground permafrost. Despite the wealth of information gathered by Viking, a number of questions remain. What happened to all the Martian water? And is there life on Mars? Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 19.25 x 17.25 in. Unframed. (B13296)

Ivan Akimovich Sushchenko (Russian, B. 1930) "Western Mining Prospector" Signed lower right. Original Oil on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the 50c Western Mining Prospector stamp issued June 18, 1998. On January 24, 1848, gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill, California. Although many people were skeptical of the news of the discovery, President James Polk's opening message to Congress in December laid their doubts to rest. He declared, "The accounts of the abundance of gold in that territory are of such an extraordinary character as would scarcely command belief were they not corroborated by authentic reports." Struck with gold fever, hundreds of thousands of Americans and foreigners journeyed to the Far West in search of their fortune. Within four years of the discovery of gold, California's population had swollen from 14,000 to more than 250,000! In 1859, gold was again discovered -- this time in Colorado, followed by finds in Montana in 1863, South Dakota in 1876 and Arizona in 1877. Each new discovery led to boomtowns springing up overnight across the West. A prospector foresaw the outcome of the gold rushes, writing, "As the discovery of gold in the mountains of California was the forerunner of an immense emigration, and the immediate cause of the erection of a new and powerful state upon the Pacific coast, so the recent discovery of the precious metal in and around the vast 'mother range' of our mountain system, is destined to exert an incalculable influence upon the growth and prosperity of the country. The Atlantic and Pacific coasts, instead of being, as they are now, divided countries, will become parts of a compact whole, joined and cemented together by bonds of mutual interest." Image Size: 10 x 20.25 in. Overall Size: 12.5 x 22.75 in. Unframed. (B16007)

Ivan Akimovich Sushchenko (Russian, B. 1930) "Empire State Express (Train)" Signed lower left. Original Oil painting on Masonite. 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. 2c Pan-American Invert: Fast Express stamp issued March 29, 2001. Since the invention of the first steam locomotive by Richard Trevithick of England, in 1804, the 19th century has been fondly remembered as the Golden Age of Railroads. The first public railroads using steam engines to haul freight and carry passengers were used in England during the 1820s and 1830s. In America, railroads linked isolated cities of the East to frontier settlements in the West. In 1830, the South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company began the first regularly scheduled steam-powered train service in the United States with its locomotive, the Best Friend of Charleston. Following that, the number of locomotives and railroads in the eastern United States quickly increased. Historic first-runs of locomotives included the DeWitt Clinton on the Mohawk and Hudson Railroad in New York and the John Bull on the Camden and Amboy Railroad in New Jersey -- both in 1831. Although railroads developed rapidly in the eastern United States after 1850, none extended into the remote regions west of the Mississippi River. When Congress passed the Pacific Railroad Act in 1862, however, it opened the way for America's first transcontinental line. Track was laid eastward from Sacramento, California, and westward from a point near Omaha, Nebraska. On May 10, 1869, the two tracks met at Promontory, Utah, and North America became the first continent to have a rail line from coast to coast. Image Size: 9 x 13.75 in. Overall Size: 11.75 x 16.25 in. Unframed. (B16911)

Ivan Kozlov (Russian, B. 1937) "1990 USSR Duck Conservation Stamp Art" Original Watercolor / Gouache painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.Image Size: 6.25 x 8.75 in. Overall Size: 16 x 15.5 in. Framed behind plexiglass. (B12549)

Ivan Kozlov (Russian, B. 1937) "Red-breasted Merganser" Original Watercolor / Gouache painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the First Day Cover for the USSR 3R Red-breasted Merganser stamp issued July 1, 1990. Since time immemorial, the sweeping vistas of the Soviet Union and the United States have harbored immense treasures of waterfowl. Today, both Nations realize the pressing need to preserve these birds and the wetlands where they find sanctuary. With the 1990 USSR Duck Stamp, the Soviet Union honors one of its many species the distinctively crested, gregarious Red-breasted Merganser, common to the USSR as well as to the United States. Sometimes called the Sawbill due to the serrated edge of its upper mandible, the Red-breasted Merganser usually nests on the ground. Unlike its larger cousin, the Common Merganser, the versatile Redbreast Common Merganser, the versatile Redbreast is completely at home on saltwater, yet in migration this duck also frequents freshwater with great regularity. Image Size: 6.25 x 8.75 in. Overall Size: 16 x 15.5 in. Framed behind plexiglass. (B12463)

Jack Fellows (Washington, B. 1941) "Sea Harrier" Signed lower left. Original Oil painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 32c Sea Harrier FRS.MK1 stamp issued November 10, 1995. The British Sea Harrier was developed from a land-based vertical / short takeoff and landing (V / STOL) fighter. It played a key role in freeing the Falkland Islands from Argentina in 1982. Image Size: 16.25 x 14 in. Overall Size: 18.5 x 16 in. Unframed. (B14895)

Steve Ferguson (American, B. 1946) "F-117 Nighthawk" Signed lower left. Original Acrylic 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 32c F-117 Nighthawk stamp issued July 19, 1997. The F-117 Nighthawk "Stealth" strike fighter was developed to provide the Air Force with a virtually undetectable fighter capable of flying low-level missions while maintaining a high degree of target accuracy. "Stealths" played an important role in the liberation of Kuwait from Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. Image Size: 16 x 14 in. Overall Size: 20 x 15 in. Unframed. (B15703)

Jack Fellows (Washington, B. 1941) "KC-135 Stratotanker" Signed lower left. Original Oil painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 32c KC-135 Stratotanker stamp issued July 19, 1997. The KC-135 Stratotanker was developed as a "winged gas station" and was used extensively in Vietnam to refuel fighter-bombers, such as the F-4 Phantom. In addition, some versions served as aerial command posts for the Strategic Air Command. Image Size: 16.5 x 14 in. Overall Size: 18.5 x 16 in. Unframed. (B13824)

Shannon Stirnweis (Arizona, New York, New Hampshire Oregon, B. 1931) "Battle of Yorktown" Signed lower right. Original Oil on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This artwork originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 18c Battle of Yorktown stamp issued October 16, 1981. Early in 1781 prospects of an American triumph in the Revolution could scarcely have been more bleak. Then, certain defeat slowly turned to victory as General Washington and Brigadier General Rochambeau marched south from New York to meet their foe, Cornwallis. Battered by his Southern losses and depleted in force, Cornwallis had gradually moved north to Petersburg, Virginia. There, the mighty Lafayette forces had attacked with fury, pushing Cornwallis back to Yorktown. As Cornwallis fortified the city for battle, he kept constant watch up the Chesapeake Bay for British rescue. However, instead of the British, it was the French who forged up the bay. As the French under Admiral de Grasse stood watch over these waters, Washington and Rochambeau moved south for conflict. Finally, on October 9, Washington sounded the battle cry. Some 4,000 shells pelted the hapless British for the next several days. French bombardment and the allied land effort of 16,000 troops forced the British to their knees on October 19, 1781. Although few realized it then, the dramatic American victory at Yorktown proved to be the climactic moment of the Revolution, a spectacular success guaranteeing the independence of America. Image Size: 16.25 x 16.5 in. Overall Size: 19.75 x 19.75 in. Unframed. (B07368)

Shannon Stirnweis (Arizona, New York, New Hampshire Oregon, B. 1931) "Rochambeau's Landing" Signed lower right. Original Oil 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. 10c Rochambeau Landing stamp issued July 11, 1980. On July 11, 1780, the Comte Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau landed at Newport Rhode Island, with an expeditionary force of almost six thousand French troops. Including such famous regiments as the Royal Deux-Ponts, the Saintonge, the Bourbonnais, the Soissonnais and the calvary legion of the Duc de Lauzun, these troops were obviously disciplined, experienced fighting men sent by Louis XVI to aid the American fight for independence. In one of his first dispatches, Rochambeau wrote to General Washington, "The commands of the King place me under the orders of Your Excellency," meaning that he and his troops were at Washington's disposal and that French military power was at last wholeheartedly committed to the noble American cause. Rochambeau and his forces remained at Newport for nearly a year awaiting French naval reinforcements. Finally, in June of 1781, they joined the American army near White Plains, New York, and the united, armies marched to the south to join the army of the Marquis de Lafayette at Williamsburg, Virginia, on September 14. On October 2, the combined forces, reinforced by four thousand troops brought from Haiti by the French fleet under de Grasse, laid seige to British forces at Yorktown under Major General Charles Cornwallis. The presence of a second French fleet from Newport prevented a British escape by sea. On October 19, Cornwallis surrendered, virtually ending America's war for independence. Image Size: 18.5 x 15.5 in. Overall Size: 23.75 x 20 in. Unframed. (B06594)

Jim Butcher (American, B. 1944) "American Flag over Supreme Court" Signed and dated (1981) lower right. Original Mixed Media 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. 20c Flag Over Supreme Court stamp issued December 17, 1981. The Supreme Court of the United States is a landmark well known to the American people. The highest tribunals of most other nations were created to settle disputes and points of law -- but this one, as it has evolved, can rule on the law itself, striking down Presidential directives and acts of Congress, upholding rights guaranteed by law, even interpreting the constitution. The Supreme Court has known many homes -- second-floor rooms over an open-air marketplace in New York, Independence Hall in Philadelphia, even private homes in Washington while the Capitol's old north wing took shape. The Court even shared the Capitol with the Senate and House from 1801 to 1935. Today, behind its magnificent pillared portico, the Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices meet to uphold the motto blazoned on its pediment: "Equal Justice Under Law." Visitors may tour the building, admire a pair of magnificent five-story elliptical spiral staircases, and view the historic cornerstone laid by Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes in 1932. "The Republic endures," he said, "and this is the symbol of its faith." The Supreme Court has been called the nation's conscience and the National Archives its memory. In a muraled rotunda visitors may peer at hallowed charters of freedom: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, seated in helium under special glass and filters. And at closing time -- and if danger looms -- the documents are lowered, cases and all, into a vault twenty feet below. Image Size: 16 x 14 in. Overall Size: 20.5 x 16.75 in. Unframed. (B06229)

Jim Butcher (American, B. 1944) "American Victory At Yorktown" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Canvas. 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. 18c Yorktown & Lexington/Concord stamp issues of October 16, 1981. Early in 1781 prospects of an American triumph in the Revolution could scarcely have been more bleak. Then, certain defeat slowly turned to victory as General Washington and Brigadier General Comte de Rochambeau marched south from New York to meet their foe, Cornwallis. Battered by his Southern losses and depleted in force, Cornwallis gradually moved north to Petersburg, Virginia. There, the mighty Lafayette forces attacked with fury, pushing Cornwallis back to Yorktown. As Cornwallis fortified this city for battle, he kept constant watch up the Chesapeake Bay for British rescue. However, instead of the British, it was the French who forged up the bay. As the French under Admiral de Grasse stood watch over these waters, Washington and Rochambeau readied for conflict. Finally, on October 9, Washington sounded the battlecry. Some 4,000 shells pelted the hapless British daily. Meanwhile, the British in New York created a rescue fleet two-thirds the size of the French forces. On October 17, this mighty army set sail for Virginia, but its efforts came too late. French bombardment and the allied land effort of 16,000 troops forced the British to their knees on October 18, 1781. Image Size: 16 x 16.5 in. Overall Size: 20 x 20 in. Unframed. (B07281)

John Swatsley (American, B. 1937) "Steamboat Experiment (1788-1790)" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This artwork originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 25c Steamboat Experiment stamp issued March 3, 1989. In the early 1780's, an inventor named John Fitch and an engineer named Henry Voight built a steamboat propelled by six twelve-foot vertical oars placed on either side of the craft. She proved extremely slow, and by 1788 the two men had redesigned their vessel using three rectangular paddles operating aft of the stern rather than many oars positioned along the sides. They christened their craft the Experiment, and put her into commercial service on the Delaware, making the trip from Philadelphia to Burlington and Trenton, New Jersey. But she was just too slow for commercial operations -- the steamboat trip took longer than the journey by stagecoach. Consequently, the little steamer consistently lost money on her voyages and was withdrawn from service in the summer of 1790. Nevertheless, she was a pioneer in American steamboating in two regards. She was the first vessel in American waters to actually move under her own steam, and the first commercial American steamboat. Image Size: 8.75 x 10.5 in. Overall Size: 15 x 18 in. Unframed. (B11868)

John Swatsley (American, B. 1937) "Tawny Eagle" Signed lower right. Original Acrylic 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 U.S. 22c Official Mail stamp issued January 29, 1985. Most wild birds prefer to stay as far away from man as possible. But the Tawny Eagle is the only eagle known to normally associate with man. This occurs in northern Africa and India, part of the range of the Tawny Eagle. The Tawny Eagle, so named because of its tawny brown color, inhabits enormous tracts of land containing open grasslands, mountainous country and savannas. It ranges from central Europe east to southern Siberia, Africa, New Guinea and Australia. The Tawny Eagle is one of the most numerous of all eagles and in Africa alone, the territory in which the Tawny's are found covers almost five million square miles. In that area there are as many as 250,000 pairs of Tawny Eagles. One of the reasons the Tawny Eagle is so successful is its ability to adapt to virtually any environment rather than specializing in one particular habitat or type of prey. Another reason is that the Tawny Eagles migrate when necessary, allowing them to concentrate in areas where food is temporarily abundant. Versatility is the key to survival for the Tawny Eagles. Consequently, they feed on diverse foods ranging from insects to dead elephants. Unlike most eagles, which nest in the high treetops, Tawny Eagles normally nest on the ground in nests which resemble inverted cones. While some of its habits differ from most eagles, the Tawny Eagle is still a magnificent and noble bird. Image Size: 14 x 11.5 in. Overall Size: 20.5 x 18 in. Unframed. (B09486)

Keith Reynolds (American, B. 1929) "USS Lexington (CV-16)" 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 50c U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16) stamp issued June 24, 1993. On July 15, 1941, a month before the launching of the U.S.S. Cabot CV-16, the U.S.S. Lexington CV-2 was lost following the Battle of the Coral Sea. To honor her famous predecessor, the Cabot was renamed Lexington and the "Lady Lex" embarked on her own impressive naval career. In late 1943, the aircraft carrier was involved in her first major engagement. The Lexington was assigned to clear the way for U.S. Marine landings by destroying military installations and gun emplacements in the Marshall Islands. For six days, a series of successful air strikes were waged on enemy fighters. On December 4th, aerial combat inflicted further damage on the Japanese stronghold in the Kwajalein Atoll, weakening their defense setup in the Marshalls. Size: 20 x 16 in. Unframed. (B14319)

David K. Stone (American, 1922 - 2001) "American Eagle Shield" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Masonite. 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. 34c Official Mail Coil stamp issued February 27, 2001. Prior to 1873, United States government employees could mail official documents by simply using their signature. This was known as franking -- a method of sending mail without paying for postage. Unfortunately, the system was prone to abuse and, in the years following the Civil War, misuse of the free-franking privilege significantly increased. In 1873, Congress abolished the system altogether and approved the first Official Mail stamps to be used by government agencies. The United States issued special stamps and postal stationery to be used by America's nine government departments -- Agriculture, Executive, Interior, Justice, Navy, Post Office, State, Treasury and War. Each department issued stamps represented by a specific color, for example, Agriculture stamps were always printed in yellow, Justice stamps in purple, Navy stamps in blue, State stamps in green and Treasury stamps in brown. Printed in denominations from 1? through $20, these first Official Mail stamps were printed by the Continental Bank Note Company, and portrayed distinguished profiles of noted Americans -- Benjamin Franklin, Andrew Jackson, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Edwin Stanton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, Winfield Scott, Alexander Hamilton, Oliver Perry and William Seward. Since 1983, all Official Mail stamps have featured the majestic bald eagle -- a proud symbol of America and its postal service. Image Size: 21.5 x 17.75 in. Overall Size: 27 x 24 in. Unframed. (B09398)

Lyle Tayson (American, 1924 - 2014) "Checkerspot Butterfly" 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 Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 13c Checkerspot Butterfly stamp issued June 6, 1977. The family to which the Checkerspot belongs, genus Euphydryas, is found throughout the northern hemisphere, with eight species in Europe and six species in North America. There are no known tropical species. This Checkerspot is also known as the Baltimore because it carries the orange and black colors of Cecilius Calvert, Second Baron Baltimore, who is more universally known as Lord Baltimore. He was granted the colony of Maryland by King James I of England. This colony became the State of Maryland which still carries the orange and black of Lord Baltimore on its insignia. This type butterfly is widespread but individuals remain in one particular area, usually a wet meadow where its food plant, the turtle head, grows. The young larvae gather on the same plants, weaving a silken web around the tender young leaves of the turtle head. Here they remain and eat until autumn and hibernate through the winter. In spring the larvae separate and continue feeding until they become adults during May and June. The Checkerspot or Baltimore is an eastern butterfly and is found from southern Canada south to Georgia and Missouri. Scientists believe that butterflies' bright colors may dazzle predators and make it difficult to catch the butterfly. The bird or other predator probably sees some butterflies as bright flashes of light which vanish when the butterfly lights on a branch and folds its wings. Image Size: 17 x 16 in. Overall Size: 21.5 x 20.5 in. Unframed. (B05117)

Lyle Tayson (American, 1924 - 2014) "Butterflies" 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 Fleetwood First Day Combination Cover for the U.S. 13c Butterflies stamp issue of June 6, 1977. Thoreau said that the study of butterflies extends the limits of being in new directions, so that "I walk in nature with a sense of greater space and freedom. It suggests, besides, that the universe is not rough-hewn, but perfect in its details." A butterfly is among the most beautiful of creatures. There's so little structure or power to produce such a flash of light and color. Their color is partly dyes and partly diffraction of light and is similar to the colors seen on a wet oily street or in a rainbow. The colors, some brilliant and some subdued, protect the butterflies by letting them blend with their background, by advertising that they taste bad, by suddenly dazzling their pursuer, or by making them resemble a larger animal the pursuer fears. Butterflies have been seen at amazing heights by airplane pilots and far out to sea where they have landed on ships to rest during migrations. Most species eat plants, some eat insects, and some cross-pollinate the many flowers they visit. Some newly-hatched bachelor butterflies swarm around a mud puddle for days before beginning their search for a mate. There are species which like to fight, attacking birds, dogs, and people, often driving them away. Butterflies and the rest of nature were classified by Carl von Linne -- Linnaeus in Latin. His name is part of the scientific name of many butterflies, indicating that he named them first, for example, the pipevine swallowtail is Papilio philenor Linnaeus. Image Size: 17 x 16 in. Overall Size: 21.5 x 20.5 in. Unframed. (B05118)

Mark Schuler (American, B. 1951) "View of Earth from Moon" 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 Republic of the Marshall Islands 45c First Manned Orbit of the Moon stamp issued November 24, 1989. No country ever demonstrated its aspirations and abilities more clearly than did America when Apollo landed on the moon. On July 20, 1969, the dreams of every American became reality when Neil Armstrong announced to all the world, "The Eagle has landed." On touching the powdery surface, he spoke his now famous words, "That's one small step for a man ... one giant leap for mankind." Fifteen minutes later, Buzz Aldrin began his descent from the Eagle to become the second man on the moon. The time on the moon was short and the men worked hard to complete all planned experiments. But, the men gladly found time to erect an American flag, not as a symbol of territorial claim, but as an identification of their proud nation which had completed the first manned lunar landing. Soon, the President's voice was transmitted from the Oval Office to the Moon. "Neil and Buzz . . . because of what you have done, the heavens have become a part of man's world." It was a touching moment for the astronauts and for their fellow Americans alike. Before long, the men with their carefully collected scientific data again boarded the Eagle for rendezvous with the orbiting Apollo spaceship and astronaut Mike Collins. The sense of relief the three men felt when they were again united onboard Columbia was also felt by the entire world. As they sped toward earth, the men shared with all mankind a sense of awe at the opening of a new frontier. Man had left his planet to explore another heavenly body ... and returned. Image Size: 12 x 12 in. Overall Size: 20 x 20 in. Unframed. (B12149)

Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Ulysses S. Grant" 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 of Issue Postal Card for the U.S. 20c Ulysses S. Grant Classic Collection Series stamp issued June 29, 1995. Short and stocky, quiet and unassuming, honest and trustworthy, Hiram Ulysses Grant would fail at almost everything he tried before the outbreak of the Civil War. The congressman who appointed him to the U.S. Military Academy mistakenly wrote his name as "Ulysses S. Grant." Grant never corrected the error for fear his classmates might tease him about his real initials "H.U.G." An average student at West Point, Grant excelled only in mathematics and horsemanship. Although he fought in the Mexican War and was promoted for his skill and bravery, he was later unable to support his family on a captain's pay and left them with his parents in Ohio. Grant resigned from the Army in 1854. For the next six years, he failed at various enterprises. When the Civil War began in 1861, the Governor of Illinois appointed him colonel of the 21st Illinois Volunteers. Grant learned fast and, in August 1861, Abraham Lincoln promoted him to brigadier general. In battle, Grant took the initiative, fought aggressively and made quick decisions. Although many congressman asked Lincoln to replace him after he suffered heavy losses in the Union victory at Shiloh, Lincoln declared, "I can't spare this man -- he fights!" A popular hero after the war, Grant was elected president even though he admittedly had no political experience. Much was accomplished during his two terms in office, 1869-1877, yet his administration was one of the most corrupt in U.S. history. Image Size: 15.5 x 14.5 in. Overall Size: 23.25 x 15.5 in. Unframed. (B15013)

Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Classic Stamp Collecting" U.S. 1868" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. In 1837, retired schoolteacher Rowland Hill proposed a prepaid penny-per-half-ounce rate for all letters, no matter what distance they traveled. The postmaster general was initially appalled by this wild, visionary and extravagant proposal, but it was adopted in 1839. Stamps and postage-paid envelopes such as those now in use were issued in 1840. Their form has changed little since. Collectors appeared immediately, soon followed by the first stamp catalogues. Today, the enormous numbers of stamp collectors, and stamps to be collected, have made the pursuit a highly organized one. Catalogues describe almost every stamp available and give current prices for each issue. Since the early 1920's, the first day of issue of every stamp has been an occasion for philatelic celebration in the United States, and since 1937 ceremonies have included the use of a special postmark. Image Size: 11.25 x 18 in. Overall Size: 18.25 x 23.75 in. Unframed. (B12203)

Peter Barrett (British, B. 1935) "Saddlebred Horse" 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 U.S. 22c Saddlebred Horse stamp issued September 25, 1985. Generations ago, wealthy Kentucky planters often spent long days in the saddle overseeing their fields. Because they spent so much time on horseback, they desired a horse that had a comfortable and smooth gait ... yet was handsome in appearance. To develop such a breed, the Kentucky planters crossed a famed Thoroughbred sire named Denmark with mares of other breeds including the Morgan, the early Narragansett and the Canadian Pacer. The offspring eventually developed into a beautiful new breed of horse characterized by proudly arched necks, rounded compact bodies, and a spirited high stepping trot. But this new breed's greatest fame came from its incredibly smooth and comfort able ride -- which earned the horse the name the Kentucky Saddler, or American Saddlebred. The Saddlebred's smooth gait won it favor throughout the South as a gentle saddle and harness horse. Eventually the Saddlebred's fame grew throughout the country, and it became one of America's most popular horses. Today, the Saddlebred is America's supreme show horse. In the show ring Saddlebreds are paraded about with their necks proudly arched and tails held high. The horses are judged on their walk, animated trots and spirited canters. This gentle-gaited breed is loved as an all-around saddle horse with a most pleasurable and comfortable ride. Image Size: 12 x 10 in. Overall Size: 18.5 x 16.25 in. Unframed. (B09725)

Peter Barrett (British, B. 1935) "Water Spaniel and Basset Hound" 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 U.S. 20c Water Spaniel and Basset Hound stamp issued April 4, 1985. One of the most popular of American hunting dogs is the American Water Spaniel. Developed shortly after the Civil War for all-around hunting, this American breed is used to flush and retrieve game from marshes and lakes. A handsome and friendly dog with its thick curly coat, the American Water Spaniel makes an excellent family pet and guardian. The Basset Hound is another favorite American dog with a hunting heritage. Originally used by French royalty to track the scent of a fleeing fox, the Basset Hound's great hunting ability won him favor in the United States as a skilled tracker of game ... and as one of America's best loved dogs. Image Size: 8.25 x 11.5 in. Overall Size: 15 x 17.25 in. Unframed. (B99014)

Robert Seabeck (Wyoming, B. 1945) "1957 Bel Air" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 60c 1957 Bel Air stamp issued September 1, 1998. The 1950s were a time of rock 'n' roll music, drive-in movies, and fries and a malt with the gang at the local burger palace. The automobile that most symbolizes this carefree era for many people is the 1957 Bel Air Sports Coupe. With its prominent fins, deeply-hooded headlights, twin windsplits on the hood and wide-mouthed grille, the '57 Bel Air Sports Coupe was an automobile fancier's dream come true. A brilliant gold "V" on the front of this sleek vehicle proclaimed to the world that its owner had a powerful V-8 engine under the hood. The Super Turbo-Fire 283-cubic-inch V-8 produced an incredible one horsepower per cubic inch. A popular Chevy ad bragged, "Curves don't come too sharp or hills too steep for this nimble new Chevy. The road isn't made that can make it breathe hard." Image Size: 7.5 x 13.75 in. Overall Size: 15 x 22.25 in. Unframed. (B15992)

Robert Seabeck (Wyoming, B. 1945) "1931 Sport Roadster" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 60c 1931 Sport Roadster stamp issued September 1, 1998. Despite the Great Depression, motor cars flourished during the 1930s. Although jobs were few and far between, for those with even a moderate income a mere $475 could purchase the 1931 Chevrolet Sport Roadster -- the lowest price in the company's history! This incredible automobile's six-cylinder engine generated 50 horsepower. With the rumble seat open, the Sport Roadster seated four. Additional features included an attractive three-spoke steering wheel made of hard rubber, hood louvers, wire wheels, four-wheel mechanical brakes, vibration damper and a more durable clutch. DeLuxe models were furnished with a stylish chrome-plated wire mesh radiator guard. Sales were steady, with Chevy pulling ahead of Ford for the first time in history. Image Size: 7.75 x 18.25 in. Overall Size: 15 x 22.25 in. Unframed. (B15989)

Robert Seabeck (Wyoming, B. 1945) "1955 Thunderbird" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 60c 1955 Thunderbird stamp issued June 4, 1996. The 1955 Thunderbird was introduced February 20, 1954 at the Detroit Auto Show and was an overnight success. Though Ford considered the Thunderbird a "personal" car, American buyers hailed this popular automobile as a sports car. Around 300 names were considered for the Thunderbird, including Sportsman and Coronado. This instantly popular two-seater featured a variety of options that catered to the luxury-minded buyer. The Thunderbird's mesh grill and hooded headlamps were similar to other Fords, as were its taillights and the distinct shape of its upper rear fenders. A removable fibre-glass hardtop, weighing about 85 pounds, was standard on the Thunderbird. The steering column was adjustable and a tachometer was standard equipment. Both manual and automatic transmissions used a floor shift. Ford built 16,155 Thunderbirds in 1955, with a base selling price of $2,944. Image Size: 6.75 x 13.75 in. Overall Size: 15 x 22.5 in. Unframed. (B15395)

Ron Sloan (American, B. 1950) "U.S. Flag over Capitol Building" 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 of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 22c Flag Over Capitol stamp issued March 29, 1985. As it has for nearly two hundred years, the American Flag flies high above the stone and marble building of the United States Capitol. Countless hearts have been filled with pride at the site of this revered structure, for no other building -- not even the White House -- is more closely linked to the great strength and glory of the United States of America. It stands at the heart of America's democratic government ... and is the focal point of the resounding deeds, ideals, and aspirations of the American people. The United States Capitol is where America's elected representatives make the laws -- as guided by the Constitution -that govern the way Americans live. Doubtless everyone who visits the Capitol feels moved by the majesty of America's representative government, and the history of the United States. Image Size: 16.75 x 23 in. Overall Size: 19.75 x 25.5 in. Unframed. (B09457)

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)