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A Japanese silver metal bowl with entwined dragons and a faint makers stamp to base, 17.5cm diameter, 14oz approx (af)

Yellow metal pearl bar brooch, indistinct stamp, maker 'JAW', together with a 1930s silver blue paste brooch (2)

Vintage Quick Change illustrated stamp album and contents

Debbie Harry poster 1976 with printers stamp to bottom left. duplicate print behind in frame but a/f 84x57cm

A Beswick Gold Stamp Babycham advertising ornament

A BOX OF ASSORTED SILVER AND OTHER ITEMS, to include a white metal padlock clasp, set with a banded agate and a vacant hair compartment to the reverse, unmarked, a white metal ring set with a colourless paste, ring stamped silver, a small embossed trinket box hallmarked to the rim Birmingham 1906, rubbed sponsors mark, a white metal three clover and swallow detailed brooch, stamp rubbed, two dog brooches each stamped 'Kenart', an enamel scotty dog bar brooch, also stamped 'Kenart', a white metal marcasite spray brooch, a white metal and colourless paste set swallow brooch stamped 800, two animal figures, Celtic brooches, paste set pendant necklace, a spider detailed compact, a yellow metal costume chain, a medal with stripped ribbon, a small quantity of commemorative coins, etc

A PLASTIC TUB CONTAINING A LARGE AMOUNT OF FIRST DAY AND COMMEMORATIVE COIN COVERS, to include 14x Euro coin and stamp covers Austria, Belgium, Eire, Finland, Greece, Germany, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, United Nations, Vatican City, Aland Island, Queen Elizabeth Royalty Issues, with 15x 1996-2007 diamond and birthday celebrations, 17x other types of coin/stamp covers with silver ingots Emperor Augustus, Prince of Wales, Edward VIII, Game of Thrones, Queens Jubilee silver £5 Windsor Castle 2002, etc

A LARGE CARDBOARD BOX CONTAINING COINAGE,QUEEN ELIZABETH AND ROYALTY FIRST DAY AND STAMP/COIN COVERS, to include over 930 grams of mixed silver coinage, 2x Elizabeth Coronation Medal one Bronze other white metal, several albums containing either first day covers or Stamp/Coin covers, album Great Britain at War stamp/coin Home Gaurd, Air Raid Wardens, Evacuees, The Land Girls, Fire Service, Women in Factories, Winston Churchill x2, Queen Mother Mostly coin covers, 40th Anniversary of Elizabeth II Happy and Glorious also includes some coin covers with added 1992 Olympic Games Sheets

FOUR MOORCROFT PIN DISHES, comprising a limited edition 52/75 signed by Emma Bosson 2013, 'Pansie' pattern 2004, 'Lily Plume' designed by Emma Bosson painted marks on back 984 M.C.C 2007 and a 2002 pin dish with shop sticker on base (4) (Condition Report: good condition, all have back stamp and painted marks)

POSTCARDS, one box containing a large quantity of several hundred mid-20th century Postcards in albums and loose, most are 'tourist' type examples from towns, cities, resorts, landmarks, etc, from the UK and Europe but also some reproduction 'Library' issues, and 'saucy seaside' examples together with Royal Mail Stamp Card issues

A ROYAL ALBERT 'HEIRLOOM' PATTERN DINNER SET, modern back stamp, comprising two circular covered tureens, gravy jug and stand, a bread and butter plate, five tea cups, five saucers, one coffee cup, six saucers, nine tea plates, thirteen cereal dishes, ten soup dishes, twenty side plates, eighteen dinner plates (94) (Condition Report: plates have had little to no use, four still have shop stickers on the back, other pieces have signs of light use)

Philately - A collection of stamp albums containing UK and foreign stamps, Victorian and later. [5]

Philately - Two stamp albums containing a quantity of UK and foreign stamps. [2]

An early 20th century TG Green kitchen mixing bowl in blue and white with green back stamp.

After Wassily Kandinsky (Russian, 1866–1944) "Radierung fur den Kreis der Freunde des Bauhauses" - 1932 Lithograph on wove paper after the original etching of the same title made in 1932 (Engraving for the circle of the friends of the Bauhaus). Monogrammed and dated in plate. Bears on the back the stamp "after an artwok by Kandinsky" and the signature "Wina Kandinsky".Image Size: 16 x 19 in. Sheet Size: 26 x 33 in. Unframed.

Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Olympic Centennial Games - Rowing" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media on Illustration Board painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 32c Rowing Classic Collection Series stamp issued May 2, 1996. The ancient Greeks recognized rowing as a means of survival for oarsmen whose job it was to maneuver massive warships in the midst of battle. Centuries later, rowing contests became popular among the lower classes. The sport gained even more popularity when English public schools became interested in it. During the 19th century, competitive rowing garnered support in both England and the United States. In 1892, the international governing body for rowing was established by the national associations of the Adriatic, France, Italy, Belgium and Switzerland, and remains the sport's controlling international body. Rowing was scheduled into the program of the first modern Olympic Games at Athens in 1896. Unfortunately, the event was cancelled due to inclement weather and did not become an official sport until 1900. Image Size: 15.25 x 10.25 in. Overall Size: 23.25 x 14.25 in. Unframed. (B15519)

Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Olympic Centennial Games - Wrestling" Signed lower right. Mixed Media 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 32c Freestyle Wrestling Classic Collection Series stamp issued May 2, 1996. Freestyle wrestling was featured in both the 1904 and 1908 Olympic Games, but in 1912 it was replaced by the Greco-Roman discipline. Not until the 1920 Games, at Antwerp, were athletes able to compete in both forms of wrestling. Internationally, freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling are the two most widely used and accepted wrestling styles. These are the only two styles permitted in annual world championships, as well as in the Olympic Games. Athletes who compete in freestyle wrestling are allowed to use nearly any hold, trip or throw, while the Greco-Roman form is more limited -- these wrestlers may not seize their opponents below the hips or grasp in any way with the legs. Both styles take place on a raised platform with slightly sloping sides. A wrestling bout lasts for nine minutes and is made up of three rounds of three minutes each. Wrestlers score points for effective holds, positions of advantage and near-throws. Image Size: 19 x 10 in. Overall Size: 23 x 14.5 in. Unframed. (B15484)

Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Marshall Islands (Issued by U.S.)" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor/Pencil/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 Maximum Card for the Republic of the Marshall Islands/U.S. Compact of Free Association stamp issued September 28, 1990. Change has been a way of life for the people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Over the centuries, the people of the islands have adapted to the subtle changes in nature, but life in the last one hundred years has been much more dramatic. In the final years of the 19th century, the islands were claimed by Germany and governed by that faraway country for over two decades. By the end of the First World War a new government had laid claim to the islands: Japan. Held for three decades by Japan, the islands were liberated by U. S. forces in World War II, and were designated a United Nations Trust Territory in 1947. Under this umbrella, the Marshall Islands moved to a much-desired independence. Today, after more than one hundred years of dealing with one distant government after another, the people of the Marshall Islands are in control of their own destiny. The first of many important steps was taken in that direction in 1979, when the Marshallese adopted a constitution. In 1982, the people signed an agreement, called the Compact of Free Association, which envisioned complete self-government. The compact came into force when the Trust Territory was dissolved in 1986 and the Marshall Islands became independent. The people of the islands elected a thirty-three member parliament, called the Nitijela, to oversee matters on the islands. The parliament, in turn, elected a president. Image Size: 13.75 x 19.75 in. Overall Size: 19.25 x 23.25 in. Unframed. (B12604)

Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Micronesia (Issued by U.S.)" Signed lower right. 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 Maximum Card for the Federated States of Micronesia/U.S. Compact of Free Association stamp issued September 28, 1990. Flung across the vast sapphire Western Pacific to the north of Australia and south of Japan, the Federated States of Micronesia comprise more than 600 islands and islets. Like tiny ships bobbing on a vast expanse of ocean, the area encompassed by the Federated States is mostly saltwater; Ferdinand Magellan, sailing through their midst in 1521, failed to spot a single island. Yet people have inhabited these islands for as much as 3,500 years, making their living from the sea and farming the small portions of arable land. In more recent centuries, the islands have been claimed by colonial Spain, imperial Germany and Japan. During World War II, the islands were wrenched from the control of Japan by the United States. Following the war, the area was placed under the auspices of the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands and administered by the United States. Today, the Re Mathau or People of the Deep Sea -- as many of the islands' more than 100,000 citizens are known -- claim their independence due to a pact signed with the United States in 1982. Under this agreement, called the Compact of Free Association, the Federated States of Micronesia have control of their own government with the United States being responsible for external security, defense and financial assistance to the islands. The compact came into force with the dissolution of the Trust Territory in 1986. Image Size: 15.75 x 16.25 in. Overall Size: 19.25 x 23 in. Unframed. (B12603)

Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Zebra Moray Swimming in Coral" 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 Federated States of Micronesia $1 Zebra Moray Native Fish stamp issued May 14, 1993. Some of the world's most colorful and eye-catching fish are found in Micronesian waters. The Bennett's Butterflyfish is among the most striking in coloration. Characterized by a brilliant yellow body with a distinctive black spot rimmed in white, it takes on a more somber pattern during evening hours while feeding on coral polyps at the ocean bottom. The handsome Orangestriped Triggerfish shares this appetite for polyps and can effortlessly nip off brittle pieces of coral with its powerful teeth and jaws. When this fish is disturbed, the first of its three stout spines on the dorsal fin locks upright and can be dropped only when the second smaller "trigger" spine, which fits into a groove behind the first, is depressed. Another sea creature common to Micronesia is the Regal Angelfish. The male of this species will tirelessly defend its territory, which often includes a "harem" of two to five females. Most Moray eels are also considered highly defensive. However, the distinctive Zebra Moray, despite its snake-like appearance, is surprisingly docile and shy. Image Size: 10.5 x 14.5 in. Overall Size: 20 x 23 in. Unframed. (B14336)

Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Mission to Planet Earth - Satellite over City" 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.N. 29c Mission to Planet Earth - Satellite over City stamp issued September 4, 1992. If space and space technology are to be utilized to protect the Earth's environment, international cooperation among all the world's nations -- both developed and undeveloped -- is vital. This theme pervaded the special session held by the United Nation's Scientific and Technical Subcommittee on Feb. 24, 1992. Held in part to commemorate the UN's naming of 1992 as International Space Year, the special session brought together distinguished scientists and policy makers from around the world. All were devoted to the idea of utilizing space and space technology for the benefit of humanity, a major tenet of ISY's Mission to Planet Earth. It is hoped the power of space technology can slow such environmental catastrophes as desertification. Each year more than 25,000 square miles of our planet -- an area about the size of South Carolina -- is denuded and turned to desert. Overgrazing by livestock strips the land of vegetation, and top soil blows away. The ever increasing demands of agriculture create a need for thousands of new wells which deplete the Earth's aquifers. Artificial satellites can be used to monitor areas most susceptible to desertification, and help scientists develop strategies to halt its spread. Remote sensing data will allow for an accurate count of livestock and human habitations, and the effect they have on indigenous vegetation. This will provide scientists with a better understanding of human-animal-plant interactions and possibly a solution to this global threat. Image Size: 14.25 x 21.75 in. Overall Size: 23.25 x 16.75 in. Unframed. (B13990)

Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Diver in Chuuk Lagoon" 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 as the Federated States of Micronesia lower left stamp on the 32c Chuuk Lagoon Se-tenant Block of 4 issued February 6, 1995. Measuring 38 miles in diameter and reaching depths of more than 300 feet, Chuuk Lagoon is regarded as one of the best diving spots in the world. It is estimated that over 100 sunken ships as well as scores of aircraft and submarine wreckage litter the lagoon bed. Many are remnants of World War II. In 1944, Allied forces began a relentless push across the Pacific toward Japan. During this campaign, the lagoon -- which had become a large base of operations -- was the scene of continuous bombing, strafing and torpedo runs aimed at disabling this vital Japanese stronghold. Enhancing the myriad coral-encrusted wrecks found in Chuuk Lagoon is a fascinating display of marine life. The snorkelers, divers, underwater photographers and scientists who flock to this intriguing world beneath the sea are treated to a magnificent kaleidoscope of engaging creatures. Colorful clown triggerfish, exotic lion fish and schools of blue devil fish flit among fields of brilliantly hued coral, providing a show like nothing above the surface. Image Size: 14 x 17 in. Overall Size: 18.5 x 23.25 in. Unframed. (B14944)

Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Raphael Semmes" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media 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 32c Raphael Semmes Classic Collection Series stamp issued June 29, 1995. Born in 1809 in Charles County, Maryland, Raphael Semmes joined the U.S. Navy when he was only 17. He continued in the service and was promoted to lieutenant in 1837, seeing action in the Mexican War. When war broke out between the states, he resigned from the U.S. Navy and volunteered for the Confederate Navy. Given the rank of commander, he was assigned to command the Sumter, a packet steamer berthed at New Orleans. Semmes had the vessel converted to an armed raider and sailed on June 30, 1861. The Sumter burned or captured a number of Union merchant vessels in the Atlantic and the West Indies until it was blockaded at Gibraltar. Semmes abandoned the ship and made his way to England, where he took command of the Alabama, a Confederate cruiser just being built at Liverpool. Semmes spent two years cruising the waters of the world, destroying more than 70 Union ships and seriously disrupting Union maritime trade. With the Alabama badly in need of repairs, Semmes put in at Cherbourg, France, in June 1864, where he was bottled up by the Union warship Kearsarge. On June 19, the Alabama sailed out to fight. In the ensuing battle, the Confederate cruiser was sunk, but Semmes and most of his crew were rescued by a British yacht that took them to England. Returning home, Semmes was given command of the James River squadron, but was forced to destroy it during the evacuation of Richmond. Semmes then organized a land force, but later surrendered at Greensboro, North Carolina. Image Size: 14.5 x 12.5 in. Overall Size: 23 x 18 in. Unframed. (B15213)

Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Wood Carvings of the American Eagle" 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 of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 23c Flag Pre-sorted First Class Coil stamp issue of September 27, 1991. Throughout the history of the United States, many images have come to symbolize the ideals of the nation. But since the nation's history began, the American flag and the Bald Eagle have been held in reverence as the very essence of the nation. America's first national flag was raised on a hill near Boston on January 4, 1776, by the troops of General George Washington. It was named the Grand Union Flag, and bore thirteen red and blue stripes. It also displayed the crosses of St. Andrew and St. George -- symbols of America's British heritage. It was only after the Declaration of Independence was signed that Americans chose a flag of their own. Through the years, the design of the flag retained many of its original symbols while abandoning others. In 1818, the American flag was officially returned to its original thirteen stripes, with but a single star to be added upon the field of blue for each new state. The Bald Eagle, too, is symbolic of the mighty, peaceloving nation. For example, on June 20, 1782, the infant American government adopted The Great Seal of the United States. An image of the nation's independence and equality, the Seal bears the figure of an Eagle, chosen to grace the Seal for its self-reliance and proud bearing. Image Size: 11.25 x 22.75 in. Overall Size: 22 x 29.25 in. Unframed. (B11489)

Paul Calle (1928 - 2010) and Chris Calle (B. 1961) "Grissom, Liberty Bell 7 - July 21, 1961" 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 MIPS First Day Cover for the Marshall Islands 80c Grissom stamp issued April 12, 2001. Virgil "Gus" Grissom: When Liberty Bell 7 lifted off from Cape Canaveral, on July 21, 1961, Gus Grissom became the second American in space. His spacecraft was equipped with a large viewing window, manual controls and an explosively actuated side escape hatch. Although the mission was a huge success, Liberty Bell 7 was lost when, after splashdown, the hatch blew off, causing the spacecraft to fill with water and sink. Image Size: 7.5 x 9.5 in. Overall Size: 11.5 x 14.5 in. Unframed. (B16922 / B16923)

David K. Stone (American, 1922 - 2001) "Battle of the Bulge - Armor" Original Oil painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 50c Battle of the Bulge 1944 - Armor stamp issued December 16, 1994. In the beginning, the Ardennes offensive went well for the German army. By December 17, General Hasso-Eccard von Manteuffel's forces had decimated the U.S. 110th infantry regiment outside Bastogne. U.S. General Troy H. Middleton responded by sending his reserve tanks to halt the Germans. Although they, too, were overwhelmed, their sacrifice prevented an early German breakthrough into Bastogne. On December 18, more reinforcements arrived. Tanks of the U.S. 3rd Army were joined by men of the 101st Airborne Division, commanded by Brigadier General Anthony C. McAuliffe. The beleaguered Americans formed a defensive arc around Bastogne. On December 26, General George Patton's tanks broke through the German lines and linked up with McAuliffe's men to turn the tide of battle. Image Size: 22 x 14.5 in. Overall Size: 27 x 23.75 in. Unframed. (B14875)

David K. Stone (American, 1922 - 2001) "Battle of Cape Esperance" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 50c Battle of Cape Esperance 1942 stamp issued October 11, 1992. The battle of Cape Esperance was one of several naval engagements between American and Japanese forces during their bitter struggle at Guadalcanal. The confrontation began when an American regiment, escorted by several warships, was sent to reinforce Allied positions on the island. The Japanese sent their own armada to counter the American move. Losses on both sides were light during the engagement, but the Japanese were able to reinforce their own positions on the island, raising the total number of troops there to 55,000 -- 22,000 Japanese against 23,000 Americans. Image Size: 20.25 x 24.75 in. Overall Size: 20.25 x 24.75 in. Unframed. (B13979)

Dennis Lyall (American, B. 1946) "Johns Hopkins" Signed lower left. Original Oil painting on Canvasboard. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. $1 Johns Hopkins stamp issued June 7, 1989. Even though he had little education, Johns Hopkins managed to become a successful entrepreneur. Hopkins, known to his friends as Johnsie, began his lucrative career working for his uncle as a humble grocery merchant. During the recession of 1819, he recognized the advantages of taking whiskey as payment for groceries from people who otherwise could not afford to eat. Both sides benefited from this arrangement -- his grateful patrons turned whiskey into food and he turned whiskey into profit, reselling it under the brand name, "Hopkins' Best."Hopkins uncle disapproved of this business practice. The two men parted ways and Hopkins' business success continued. He feathered his nest with wise investments, and became the largest private stockholder in the fledgling Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Upon his death in 1873, Hopkins was able to provide generously for his relatives and still bequeath a sizable sum to create The Johns Hopkins University and The Johns Hopkins Hospital. The University, a foundation for research and advanced studies, opened formally in 1876. The medical facility began to operate in 1883, and the Hospital and School of Nursing opened its doors in 1889. The School of Medicine, from the beginning closely linked with the Hospital, opened in 1893. All this thanks to Johns Hopkins, who, though lacking in education himself, left his riches to be used in founding a prestigious institution for higher education. Image Size: 16.75 x 14.5 in. Overall Size: 17.25 x 14.75 in. Unframed. (B12003)

Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Moose" Signed lower left. Watercolor 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. 13c Moose stamp issued June 10, 1978. Although drawings of the Moose were found in the cave drawings of the early Stone Age, the earliest known verbal description appears in Caesar's "Gallic War." Caesar reports that the Moose was hornless and that his legs had neither ankles nor joints. Therefore, they could not lay down. And once they fell, they could never get up again. To sleep, wrote Caesar, they simply leaned against a tree. Teutonic hunters would chip notches into these trees so that when the tired Moose tried to rest, both he and the tree would fall, thus becoming easy prey for the hunters. Whether this story is myth or not, nobody is sure. However, the tale is true to the extent that Moose do straddle long trunks, breaking them to obtain twigs, buds, and leaves from the soft parts of the tree. Later, the famous Roman naturalist, Plinius, stated that the Moose "had to graze backward because of his enlarged upper lip." This too, of course, is wrong. The Moose's upper lip is large, but this is an advantage, not a hindrance, for it allows him to strip leaves off branches. The short neck of the Moose makes it difficult for him to eat off the ground, but easy for him to feed from bushes or trees, where his favorite food is found. The Moose is best-known for its antlers -- among the most impressive in the entire animal kingdom -- which make him a prime game animal. Contrary to what many believe, Moose are not fierce animals, but are, in fact, quite shy. Image Size: 13.5 x 14.5 in. Overall Size: 20.25 x 23.25 in. Framed behind plexiglass. (B05052)

Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Woolly Mammoth Walking in Snow Storm" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor 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. 32c Woolly Mammoth stamp issued June 8, 1996. Ancestor of the present-day elephant, the mammoth originally inhabited the temperate climate of the northern hemisphere during the glacial period. Eventually it journeyed further north where it survived until the Neolithic Period. It is believed that these huge prehistoric beasts prospered during post-glacial times when northern Asia was covered with pine forests, supplying the mammoth with an abundance of vegetation. Due to slow climatic changes, these forests disappeared and may be one of the reasons for the mammoth's extinction. Mammoth fossils are quite common throughout northern Europe, North America and Asia. The ivory of this magnificent beast was so abundant that during the Middle Ages it was exported from Siberia to China and Europe. In 1799, the first intact mammoth carcass was discovered. Frozen into icy cliffs along the Arctic coast of Siberia, this find enabled paleontologists to successfully reconstruct the mammoth's form and features. In 1801, another discovery was made in Siberia in which a complete skeleton -- including entire mammoth tusks still in their sockets -- had been preserved in the ice. This specimen exhibited thick skin covered with dark, dense woolly fur, and tusks that measured over nine feet in length. Mammoth tusks are distinct from present-day elephant tusks in that they display a vast outward and upward sweep. The largest mammoth tusks on record were found in Alaska and measure nearly 13 feet long. Image Size: 18 x 18.5 in. Overall Size: 18 x 20 in. Unframed. (B15127)

Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Fishing Flies - Royal Wulff" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor 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 Maximum Card for the U.S. 29c Royal Wulff stamp issued May 31, 1991. The ice has retreated from the high-mountain lake, and the resident Brook Trout have awakened from winter hungry. Cruising the shallows, a "Brookie" looks up to see a large mayfly resting on the surface. Unable to resist, it strikes at the brightly-colored fly, feels the sting of a hook and a dramatic struggle begins. Many a trout has been deceived by the Royal Wulff since it was created in the 1930s by legendary angler, author and fly-tier Lee Wulff. This dry fly pattern is a variation on the classic Royal Coachman, which has been effective since it was originated in the 1800s. But Wulff's addition of a naturally buoyant tail, easy-to-see white wings and bushy collar of hackle feather have made this a classic in its own right. Lee Wulff wanted the basic appeal of the original fly, but with more durability and higher flotation. So he replaced the original feather tail with tough, buoyant brown calf tail hairs, added lots of dark brown hackle and used wings of durable white calf's tail. Those changes, along with the original sparkling body of peacock tail and bright red floss resulted in a universally accepted and effective dry fly. Although it looks nothing like any natural insect, trout seem to find the Royal Wulff irresistible. Its creator has made many contributions to flyfishing -- including the original many-pocketed fishing vest -- but his place in angling history is assured, thanks to his buoyant, durable dry flies. Image Size: 11.25 x 19.5 in. Overall Size: 16.25 x 19.5 in. Unframed. (B12946)

Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Dinosaur/Tyrannosaurus" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor 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. 25c Tyrannosaurus stamp issued October 1, 1989. The largest flesh-eating animal that ever lived, the dinosaur tyrannosaurus was a forty-five foot long terror that preyed on its lumbering, plant-eating cousins. Tyrannosaurus stood almost twenty feet high, and had a four-foot head whose mouth was armed with six-inch long, dagger-like teeth. It had ridiculously small front legs, useless except perhaps for grabbing things at close range. Its lengthy tail served as a counterbalance to its great body. Tyrannosaurus was very muscular, especially in the mouth region, where it had massive muscles for biting and chewing. It also had powerful rear legs for support and mobility. Even in its own time, tyrannosaurus was most likely a fairly rare animal, with only one of these monsters hunting every hundred square miles. These creatures survived until late in the Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic era, about sixty-five million years ago, when for reasons still unknown all the dinosaurs vanished, awesome and horrifying tyrannosaurus among them. But it is easy to imagine tyrannosaurus stalking the lush vegetation of the steaming prehistoric swamp for the great plant-eating dinosaurs who moved slowly through the flora, their comically dwarfed heads working constantly to gulp down enough nourishment to keep their huge bodies going. The plant-eaters developed protection against tyrannosaurus -- some sought refuge in water, some grew suits of armor. Yet few were totally safe from the fierce tyrannosaurus, king of the violent, prehistoric swamp. Image Size: 14.5 x 13 in. Overall Size: 22.25 x 20 in. Unframed. (B11992)

Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Rufous and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds" Signed lower right. 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 Combination First Day Cover for the U.S. 29c Hummingbird stamp booklet issued June 15, 1992. No other bird has captured the imagination of mankind as completely as the hummingbird. More than 300 species of these little flying jewels have been identified; North America is fortunate enough to claim 16. In the spring, the annual rites of passage begin and the hummingbirds zip northward out of Mexico into the United States. Some will lay over at various locations for several weeks, while others will push on, driven by instincts that are eons old. Flower nectar, tiny insects and sugar water from feeders provide the energy to push onward. Bird-watchers are enraptured by the little birds, with their bright coloration, extraordinary flying antics and minute size. These three factors make the hummingbird the most unique bird in the world. Image Size: 21 x 16.5 in. Overall Size: 21 x 19 in. Unframed. (B13745)

Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Dinosaur / Brontosaurus" 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. 25c Brontosaurus stamp issued October 1, 1989. Though it was an herbivore, the brontosaurus numbers among the largest land animals that ever lived. It was so large, in fact, there has been some debate as to whether such an enormous beast could support its great bulk on land, or was forced to dwell almost exclusively in water. While it is most likely the creature spent a lot of time in the water to help support its tremendous weight, and also took refuge from predators by retreating into the water, scientists now believe that brontosaurus was able to get around on land with relative grace. However, it probably represents the maximum size and bulk attainable by a land animal. This huge swamp-dweller stood on four huge, elephant-like legs, and had a long neck and tail. However, its tiny head took up only about two feet of its eighty-foot length. The size, shape and features of brontosaurus' head were disputed by scientists for more than a century after the first remains were uncovered. Incomplete finds, and the possibility of a mix-up of fossils in transit from an excavation site created great uncertainty, and the head was represented in early models as snub-nosed; the teeth, spoon-like. In 1978, however, scientists rejected this representation in favor of a slender, elongated skull containing long, sharp teeth. These teeth may have looked dangerous, but they were really rather delicate and probably only suitable for eating the most tender plants. Image Size: 14.75 x 13 in. Overall Size: 23.75 x 20 in. Unframed. (B12045)

Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Monarch Butterfly" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor 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. Wildlife of the 50 States 22c Monarch Butterfly/Illinois stamp issued June 13, 1987. Monarch Butterflies are perhaps the best known and most familiar butterflies in North America. All summer long, Monarch Butterflies are seen basking in the warm sunshine. As they take flight, their orange and black wings glow brightly against the sky. Monarchs do not fear attacks by birds as many butterflies do, for they are protected by an acrid odor which causes potential predators to avoid them. As summer turns to autumn, Monarchs gather together for their long journey south. They fly thousands of miles to Mexico -- enabling them to survive the winter. The colorful autumn travelers look like a mantle of orange and gold moving across the countryside as they make their way south. Later, with the coming of spring , the Monarch Butterflies will again head north to complete their amazing migratory cycle. Looking somewhat faded, the female Monarchs search out milkweed plants so they can lay their eggs. Milkweed is the sole food source for Monarch Butterfly young. Soon after egg-laying is accomplished, the Monarch Butterflies die, leaving their young to color the countryside. Image Size: 13.5 x 14.5 in. Overall Size: 14 x 17 in. Unframed. (B10675)

Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Scarlet Tanager" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor 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. Wildlife of the 50 States 22c Scarlet Tanager/New Jersey stamp issued June 13, 1987. The brilliant Scarlet Tanager male enlivens the summer scenery with lush, flame red feathers perfectly accented by the sooty black of its wings and tail. These beautiful birds spend much of their time in the very tops of trees high above the forest floor. There they move freely, though rather sluggishly, in search of berries and the leaf-eating insects on which they dine. Because of their preference for lofty heights, Scarlet Tanagers are seldom seen except when lured by cool, clean water for bathing. Aside from these rare appearances on the ground, this striking bird's presence is generally marked only by its melodic song. A bit husky in tone, the Tanager's call has been described as sounding like "a robin with a sore throat." Nonetheless, it is a song which gladdens those who listen for it. Come fall, the Scarlet Tanager molts, exchanging his brilliant summer plumage for the olive-green coloring of his mate. Then it is time to join the flock as they migrate, under cover of darkness, to the warmer climates of South America. But, with the advent of springtime, the Tanagers will return to fill the tops of the forest foliage with color and song. Image Size: 13.5 x 14.5 in. Overall Size: 14 x 17 in. Unframed. (B10857)

Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Lilac-breasted Roller Bird" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor 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 International Audubon Fund Uganda Lilac-breasted Roller stamp issued November 2, 1987. The multihued Lilac-breasted Roller is a showy, noisy, but nevertheless frequently shy bird -- birdwatchers of Uganda must sometimes be alert to spot one, especiallly during nesting season. The name "Roller" comes from the spectacular and noisy aerobatics this species indulges in on occasion: the Roller's command of the air is total, with a favorite manuever being a skyward soar followed by a long tumbling, rolling pitch back to earth. Another characteristic: Lilac-breasted Rollers will travel long distances to feed on the insects and lizards scared up by a grass fire. But at least when their owner is sitting still, it is the Lilac-breasted Roller's magnificently colored feathers that inspire the most attention. Green, brown, violet, pale greenish blue, lilac, white, black, greenish yellow -- the Lilac-breasted Roller is an attention-getting patchwork of many hues. As one might expect with plumage like that, the nest is hidden out of sight, usually in an inaccessible hole in the stump of a tree or palm. Image Size: 17.5 x 14.75 in. Overall Size: 20 x 18 in. Unframed. (B12044)

Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Gyrfalcon" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor 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. 37c Gyrfalcon Arctic Animals stamp issue of July 2, 2003. The largest falcon in the world, the gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus can reach up to two feet in length. Especially prized in falconry (the 4000-year-old sport of employing falcons in hunting game), the gyrfalcon is traditionally known as the "bird of kings." In medieval diplomacy, it played an important role as a valuable present. Even today, modern falconers often pay princely sums -- well into the many thousands of dollars -- for a single specimen. The gyrfalcon is an intensely capable bird: while the eagle often uses its large size to rob meals from other birds of prey, and the peregrine falcon counts on gravity to gain high speeds in a pursuit, the gyrfalcon relies on sheer raw power alone to capture its prey, usually in an intensive tail chase. Although slower than other falcons as it begins a chase, it quickly gains momentum and can outfly the fastest duck. The gyrfalcon's persistence and determination in pursuing its quarry distinguishes it from all other hunting birds and is key to its legendary status: it simply does not give up, following its chosen target until the fleeing creature is worn out, captured or lucky enough to find impregnable refuge. Its extremely keen eyesight -- many times that of man -- allows the gyrfalcon to spot all but the most well-camouflaged of prey. A noble bird revered worldwide for its courage, power and grace, the gyrfalcon is, fittingly, the official mascot of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Image Size: 7 x 6 in. Overall Size: 14 x 13 in. Unframed. (B17095)

Gordon Beningfield (British, 1936 - 1998) "Waterfall in Forest" Signed lower right. Original watercolor/gouache painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood Mint Stamp Collector's Panel for the Montserrat Birds of the Wilderness set. Delicate purple flowers frame a peaceful waterfall which seems to be surrounded by mist. Image Size: 14 x 11.5 in. Overall Size: 24.75 x 24.5 in. Unframed. (B10162)

J. Craig Thorpe (American, B. 1948) "South Australian Class 520" Signed lower left. Original Oil on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Republic of the Marshall Islands First Day Cover for the 55c South Australian Railways 4-8-4 stamp issued August 23, 1996. The Class 520 was built for South Australian Railways (SAR) by Islington Shops. Only 12 were constructed, from 1943 to 1947. The 520s, with their shark-like noses, had an eye-catching appeal. Their styling was patterned after a design by Raymond Loewy the industrial designer who styled the Pennsylvania Railroad T1 steam passenger locomotives of 1942. Class 520s were used on the Adelaide to Port Pirie main line. The first Class 520 was named Sir Malcolm Barclay Harvey in honor of the governor of South Australia. This steam locomotive, painted a breath-taking Hawthorn green with deep cream stripes, was Australia's first streamlined locomotive and is the largest active steam engine in existence today. The Class 520 was exceptionally reliable, smooth-riding and versatile, running on track with rails 5 feet 3 in apart. In 1948, all Class 520s were converted from coal to oil. The 520s were the last SAR heavy power steam locomotives, ending service in October of 1966. Image Size: 10 x 13.25 in. Overall Size: 13.5 x 17.75 in. Unframed. (B15397)

J. Craig Thorpe (American, B. 1948) "French Steam Passenger Express" Signed lower right. Original Oil on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Republic of the Marshall Islands First Day Cover for the 55c French 4-6-6 Hudson stamp issued August 23,1996. The Class 232.U1 was constructed by Corpet-Louvet for Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer Francais (SNCF) and was a one-of-a-kind steam passenger locomotive. It featured a compound engine with four cylinders instead of the conventional two. The Class 232.U1 differed from other locomotives with compound engines in that the locomotive started out from a complete stop with all four cylinders working under the same steam pressure. Once the train was under way, the steam pressure switched over to a compound engine. In this arrangement, steam is used twice, first passing through the two High-pressure cylinders then through the two low-pressure cylinders. Cruising at speeds over 75 mph, the Class through ran north from Paris to Aulnoye and Lille on trains bound to and from Brussels, Belgium. Constructed in 1949, the Class 232.U1 was the last and most technologically advanced express passenger locomotive built in France. Image Size: 10 x 13.25 in. Overall Size: 13.5 x 17.75 in. Unframed. (B15386)

Jack Fellows (American, Born 1941) "Lockheed Vega Airplane" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 32c Lockheed Vega stamp issued July 19, 1997. Using part-owner Jack Northrop's novel design, the new Lockheed company unveiled its streamlined Vega on July 4, 1927. Considered to be the most streamlined plane ever built, the four-passenger, high-wing monoplane could cruise at 135 mph. The plane's speed was later increased to 155 mph by enclosing the radial Pratt & Whitney Wasp engine in a smooth metal cowl. Even though it was never widely used by the commercial airlines, the Vega was made famous by former airmail pilot Wiley Post, who named his Vega "Winnie Mae" and flew it around the world in 1931 . . . and by Amelia Earhart, who flew her Vega nonstop across the Atlantic in 1932. Image Size: 16.5 x 14 in. Overall Size: 18 x 15.5 in. Unframed. (B15607)

Keith Bowen (UK, B. 1950) "The Milkman" Signed lower left. Original First Day Cover Illustration. Original Charcoal on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Great Britain 32p Food and Farming Year 1989 stamp issued March 7, 1989. Cows are very important to England's farm economy, and they supply the milkman with a good many of his wares. England's extensive dairy herds produce enough milk to meet all the country's need. Over two-thirds of the nation's cream also comes from its domestic herds, as do nearly half of the cheeses consumed in English homes. These include the native cheese of Cheddar Gorge in Somerset, the sheep cheese of Devon, and Dorset Blue Vinney cheese. The town of Melton Mowbray is the home of Stilton cheese, and seventeen gallons of milk, the liquid equivalent of one hundred and thirty -six pounds, are required to produce a single fifteen-pound cheese. The milk is curdled, the curds are scooped out for the cheese and the remaining whey is fed to the pigs raised in the area. This is said to give the pigs' meat a very delectable flavor. Thus, thanks to the dairy cow, Melton Mowbray is famous for its delicious pork-pies and its Stilton cheese. Image Size: 18 x 20.75 in. Overall Size: 20 x 28.5 in. Unframed. (B11933)

Keith Reynolds (American, B. 1929) "Emlain Cargo Freighter" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Canvasboard. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original which was published on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 29c Emlain stamp and First Day Cover issued February 15, 1992. Measuring over 900 feet in length and boasting a beam of nearly 150 feet, the Emlain is an impressive sight at sea. Named after former President Amata Kabua's wife, the Emlain was used to freight cargo in the world's oceans from 1989-1991 carrying an assortment of goods in her nine holds. Ships such as the Emlain have been sailing the seas as important links in the world trade for decades. Ore/bulk ships like the Emlain are especially important to countries such as the Republic of the Marshall Islands where air freight is costly and sometimes impractical. Image Size: 16 x 20 in. Overall Size: 16 x 20 in. Unframed. (B13574)

Keith Reynolds (American, B. 1929) "Japanese Warships Nagara and Isuzu" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Canvas Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 45c Japanese Warships Nagara and Isuzu stamp issued September 23, 1994. April 1922 marked the launching of the light cruiser Nagara. Characterized by its long, narrow hull, this vessel was capable of sailing at a top speed of 36 knots. The following year the Isuzu took its maiden voyage as well. In the same class as the Nagara, the Isuzu was once captained by Isoroku Yamamoto, famed World War II admiral of the Japanese fleet. When the island of Tarawa fell to the Allies in November 1943, these ships quickly became involved in troop movements around Kwajalein and Mili islands in the Marshalls. However, in February 1944 the Japanese lost Kwajalein as well. Image Size: 14 x 24 in. Overall Size: 20 x 24 in. Unframed. (B14776)

Mel Crawford (Canadian, B. 1925) "Nova Scotia" Signed lower left. 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 Canada 17c Flags of Canada Nova Scotia stamp issued June 15, 1979. The conflict between France and England for control of North America in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries can nowhere be better illustrated than in the history of Nova Scotia. The English were the first Europeans to reach Nova Scotia after the Vikings (who briefly occupied a few coastal villages at the beginning of the eleventh century). John Cabot's expedition of 1497 put to shore on Cape Breton Island -- in the north of the Province -- and was soon followed by both Portuguese and French explorers and fishing vessels. The first colonies were established by France in 1604. But settlement on a large scale was delayed until 1629, when the Scots established two villages: Charlesfort, near the site of the abandoned French settlement of 1604, and Rosemar on Cape Breton Island. Throughout the rest of the seventeenth century, and until the end of the Seven Years War and the Peace of Paris in 1763, the history of Nova Scotia is the story of the struggle between English and French settlers for control of the land and the surrounding seas. The Exiled Acadians, as the French settlers were called, left a rich heritage behind them when they fled their lands rather than take an oath of allegiance to the British Crown. To the Scottish, Irish, and English settlers that stayed behind, Nova Scotia has been a place of peace and prosperity, a rich agricultural land with abundant industrial, mineral, and ocean resources. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 17 x 15 in. Unframed. (B05329)

Mel Crawford (Canadian, B. 1925) "Australia" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media on Cold Press 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 of the U.N. 20c Australia Flags of the U.N. Series stamp issued September 21, 1984. A nursery song playfully describes the kookaburra of Australia: "Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree ... merry merry king of the bush is he." And indeed, spying many of Australia's animal life, one would think that the creatures are out of a fairy tale. The kookaburra's "old gum tree" is probably the eucalyptus tree ... valued by the hardwood timber industry. The leaves of eucalypti provide oils useful both medically and industrially ... and form a major part of the diet of the koala. The koala, like most of the mammals of Australia, is a marsupial ... it bears live young, and then carries them in a pouch. Two exceptions to this rule are the echidna and platypus, egg-laying mammals known as monotremes ... and they are the world's only known monotremes. The creatures of Australia seem strange to the rest of the world, because the continent of Australia has been isolated from the rest of the world for over fifty million years. Another example of this difference is the Aborigines -- their name derived from the Latin ab origine, meaning from the beginning -- the first inhabitants of the continent. Currently, they are just a small minority of the nation, as this Stone Age people of simple nomadic hunters found it very hard to learn the ways of the modern Europeans who settled Australia just two hundred years ago. Today, the nation of Australia is quite remarkable, because it has grown from a primitive land into a modern, industrial country capable of competing well in international business. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 17 x 14.75 in. Unframed. (B99053)

Mel Crawford (Canadian, B. 1925) "Yukon" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media painting on Cold Press 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 Flags of Canada Yukon stamp issued June 15, 1979. Like much of the Canadian west, the Yukon Territory was first explored by fur traders of the Hudson's Bay Company. With the discovery of gold in 1873, settlements were established along the Yukon and Stewart Rivers. In 1895, the Territory was incorporated into the newly-organized Northwest Territories along with the rest of the former Hudson's Bay Company lands, and the Northwest Mounted Police were dispatched to the region to maintain Canadian law. When a rich gold strike was made in the Klondike region in 1896, the real modern history of the Yukon began. Thousands of gold seekers swarmed into the Yukon from all over Canada and the United States, and the rough-and-ready reputation of the territory began to spread throughout the world. In 1898, an Act of Parliament separated the Yukon Territory from the Northwest Territories, and established local control over most questions of administration in the Territorial Capital at Whitehorse. By the end of the gold rush, in 1901, the Territory's population had risen to more than twenty-seven thousand. Twenty years later, barely over four thousand people remained in the Territory. Today, there are still fewer than thirty thousand people in the whole Territory. But the Yukon will continue to grow and to prosper, because its rich lands have the resources that the more developed lands to the east and south need: lead, zinc, copper, nickel, asbestos, cadmium, tungsten, coal, gold, and silver are but a few of the resources that the Yukon has in abundance. Image Size: 14 x 12.25 in. Overall Size: 17.75 x 15 in. Unframed. (B05407)

Shannon Stirnweis (Arizona, New York, New Hampshire Oregon, B. 1931) "Ft. Chambly" Signed lower left. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was oiginally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Canada 32c Fort Chambly stamp issued June 30, 1983. Canada's early history is in many ways the story of a small population struggling to carve a nation from a vast, unsettled wilderness. In those days, command of Canada's waterways often meant control of a territory. For this reason, nations vying for power over a territory would build forts along the rivers to protect their interests. Fort Chambly is one such fort. Built by the French along the left bank of the Richelieu River, Fort Chambly guarded French interests in the southern frontier. Construction on the fort began in 1665 by Jacques de Chambly, captain of a company in the Carignan Regiment, and the structure was first called Fort St. Louis. Originally the fort was a staked enclosure with a warehouse, barracks and a chapel. But, in 1709, after the Quebec military authorities ordered the fort's abandonment, the citizens of nearby Montreal protested and set out to rebuild the historic fort in stone. In 1711, the fort was finished and christened, Pontchartrain. But, despite the name change, people continued to call it Fort Chambly. In 1760, the fort was captured by the British, who manned the fort with a small garrison. Fifteen years later, in 1775, American forces easily overcame the British soldiers stationed at the fort. But the Americans abandoned the fortress only a year later. During the War of 1812, the fort served as an operational base on the Canadian side of Lake Champlain. In 1851, the fort was abandoned and ceded to Canada by the government of Great Britain. Image Size: 19.25 x 16.5 in. Overall Size: 23 x 20 in. Unframed. (B08160)

Shannon Stirnweis (Arizona, New York, New Hampshire Oregon, B. 1931) "Fort Coteau-du-Lac" 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 32c Fort Coteau-du-Lac stamp issued June 30, 1983. As the vast Canadian frontier was gradually explored and settled, fortresses sprang up in the New World, both to accommodate trappers and settlers who worked in the wilderness and to give military protection to trading operations. One fort built to protect vital trade operations in Canada is Fort Coteau-du-Lac. It is situated at the junction of the Eelisle and St. Lawrence Rivers and it protected essential supplies stored in the vicinity. In addition, the fortress guarded the first canal built on the St. Lawrence River ... a canal which was vital to the transport of supplies. Later, during the War of 1812, the British military erected elaborate fortifications to protect the strategically important waterway and storage depot which stood at the juncture of the two rivers. However, once the war was over, Fort Coteau-du-Lac became a center for civilian trade and was renovated in 1824-26. Today, this historic military and trading fort is a well-known National Historic Park in Canada which features an impressive interpretive display in its reconstructed octagonal blockhouse. Image Size: 19.25 x 16.75 in. Overall Size: 23 x 20 in. Unframed. (B08158)

Steve Ferguson (American, B. 1946) "F-5E Tiger II" Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Signed lower right. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 33c F-5E Tiger II stamp issued June 1, 1999. To meet the U.S. military's need for a lightweight, inexpensive fighter that could be easily maintained and still be capable of supersonic flight, Northrop developed the F-5E Tiger II. U.S. Allies purchased large numbers of its planes. Later, both Spain and Canada manufactured the Tiger II under license. Image Size: 16.5 x 13.75 in. Overall Size: 20 x 14.75 in. Unframed. (B14005)

Steve Ferguson (American, B. 1946) "Curtiss F8C-1 Helldiver Airplane" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media on Cold Press Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood Commemorative Cover with the U.S. 29c Flag stamp issued November 1, 1991. Between the World Wars, America was able to make much progress in its military technology. One fine example of this was the F8C Helldiver, the first production Navy aircraft designed for dive bombing. The biplane soon replaced the DH-4 Liberty Plane. The Helldiver could pull off steep dives upon target ships, dropping a single 500-pound bomb or twin 116-pound bombs. At the time, the plane was the only two-seat aircraft in the Navy's fighter squadrons. Some, like those delivered to the carrier U.S.S. Saratoga in August 1930 were welcome additions to the ship's arsenal. The plane could hit targets far out at sea and return to the carrier. The importance of its part in aircraft development cannot be denied since sea-launched planes would play a crucial role in the coming Second World War. Image Size: 16.5 x 14 in. Overall Size: 20 x 15 in. Unframed. (B13274)

Steve Ferguson (American, B. 1946) "PB4Y-2 Privateer" Signed lower right. Original Acrylic on Cold Press 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 FB4Y-2 Privateer stamp issued August 28, 1998. Derived from Consolidated's B-24 Liberator, the PB4Y-2 Privateer entered service with the U.S. Navy in 1944. An outstanding performer during the latter part of World War II, the Privateer also saw service in the Korean War as both a patrol bomber and as a night flare-dropping aircraft supporting Navy strike bombers. Image Size: 16.5 x 14 in. Overall Size: 20 x 15 in. Unframed. (B13206)

Steve Ferguson (American, B. 1946) "Polikarpov I-15 Gull" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media on Cold Press 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 Polikarpov I-15 Gull stamp issued November 1, 1996. In late 1935, a specially modified, stripped-down Soviet Polikarpov I-15 Gull was flown by test pilot Vladimir Kokkinaki to an altitude of 47,806 feet, setting a new world altitude record by a tenth of a mile. Image Size: 16.5 x 14 in. Overall Size: 20.25 x 15 in. Unframed. (B15490)

Steve Ferguson (American, B. 1946) "Piper Cub" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media on Cold Press 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. 32c Cub Classic Collection Series stamp issued July 19, 1997. In 1937 the Taylor Aircraft Company was reorganized as the Piper Aircraft Corporation at Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, with William T. Piper as president. The company was soon producing a light, high-wing monoplane called the Piper Cub. By the end of 1941, Piper had manufactured 10,000 of the popular side-by-side, two-seater planes. During World War II, the Cub, which could fly at grasstop height and land almost in its own length, was turned out by the thousands to meet the demand for frontline observation aircraft. Known in the military as L-4Bs -- or Grasshoppers -- the 65hp Cubs were even being fitted with bazooka rockets by 1944 for use as "tankbusters." Image Size: 16.25 x 14 in. Overall Size: 20 x 15 in. Unframed. (B15609)

Steve Ferguson (American, B. 1946) "Alpha" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media on Cold Press 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. 32c Alpha Classic Collection Series stamp issued July 19, 1997. In 1928, Jack Northrup left his job with Lockheed and started his own airplane company. Northrup's first plane appeared in 1930, a speedy, six-passenger, cabin monoplane called the Alpha. Designed to be used as a mail and passenger carrier for TWA, the streamlined, low-winged, single-engine plane was made entirely of metal -- unusual for the time. Covered with stressed-skin duralumin, the Alpha sported one of the strongest and most resilient wings in all of aviation. The unique wing was designed with internal multicellular construction, consisting of aluminum spars and ribs that formed a series of small, rigid compartments or cells -- much like those of a honeycomb. Image Size: 16.5 x 14 in. Overall Size: 20 x 15 in. Unframed. (B15610)

Steve Ferguson (American, B. 1946) "Curtiss SB2C-3 Helldiver" Signed lower right. Original Acrylic painting on Cold Press Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood Commemorative cover with a US 29c Flag stamp postmarked December 9, 1993. Although conceived as a high-wing monoplane, the original design for the SBC scout bomber was less than successful. After the monoplane prototype crashed, the SBC was redesigned as a biplane, the last to be built in the United States for combat purposes. The first SBC took to the air successfully on December 9, 1935. Fifty of the planes -- in a modified version designated SBC-4 -- were leased to France for use on one of its aircraft carriers. But before any could be flown in combat, that country was overrun by the Germans and the French carrier was diverted to the island of Martinique for the duration of World War II. By the time America entered the war, the SBC had been relegated to training purposes and never saw combat. Depicted here is an SBC-3 assigned to the carrier U.S.S. Yorktown around 1939. Image Size: 16.5 x 14 in. Overall Size: 20 x 15 in. Unframed. (B14324)

Steve Ferguson (American, B. 1946) "C-54E Skymaster" Signed lower left. Original Acrylic painting on Cold Press 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 C-54 Skymaster stamp issued July 19, 1997. The C-54 Skymaster was originally designed for use as a civilian airliner. The U.S. entry into World War II, however, changed the destiny of this fine aircraft as it did for thousands of young men. Rugged C-54s made almost 80,000 ocean crossings during the war with only three of these workhorses lost in the process! Image Size: 16.5 x 13.75 in. Overall Size: 20.25 x 15 in. Unframed. (B14357)

Steve Ferguson (American, B. 1946) "F-105D Thunderchief" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media painting on Cold Press 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-105 Thunderchief stamp issued November 10, 1995. Entering service in the late 1950s, the F-105 Thunderchief was an important aircraft used by the U.S. in Vietnam. It flew hundreds of raids against North Vietnam from 1965 to 1970. Image Size: 16.5 x 14 in. Overall Size: 20 x 15 in. Unframed. (B13855)

Steve Ferguson (American, B. 1946) "Douglas World Cruiser" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Cold Press Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the MIPS First Day Cover for the Marshall Islands 37c World Cruiser stamp issued June 10, 2003. On March 17, 1924, four Douglas World Cruisers left Santa Monica, California, for Seattle, Washington - the official starting point of their planned around-the-world flights. On April 4, they left Seattle and headed for Alaska. Although two planes were lost during the months-long expedition, the other two -- the Chicago and the New Orleans -- eventually returned to Seattle on September 28, having circumnavigated the globe. The historic journey had taken 175 days, making the Douglas World Cruiser the first plane to fly around the world and earning the Douglas Company the proud slogan "First Around the World." Image Size: 16.25 x 14 in. Overall Size: 20 x 14.75 in. Unframed. (B17080)