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Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "Liberation of Kharkov - Tank and Soldiers" Original Oil painting on Canvas. Artist notes in margins. 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 29c Liberation of Kharkov stamp issued February 16, 1993. During the winter of 1942-1943, Germany's thrust into Russia was stalled by a vigorous Russian counter-offensive. Despite advice to retreat from Russia, Hitler refused. As a result, the German Sixth Army was destroyed while attempting to take Stalingrad. This Soviet victory, together with another in Voronezh, led to an advance toward Kharkov, a captured Soviet city used for German logistal support. On February 14, the Soviet Voronezh Front encircled the city. For several days, a fierce partisan revolt ensued, forcing the Second SS Panzer Corps to vacate Kharkov. But Russian jubilance was short-lived. On February 17, Hitler rushed to the area and, after two days of discussion with General Manstein, permitted a counterstrike toward Kharkov, which was ultimately successful. Image Size: 13.5 x 16.25 in. Overall Size: 17.5 x 20.25 in. Unframed. (B14043)

Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "Graf Spee Warship on High Seas" 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 Battle of the River Plate 1939 Admiral Graf Spee stamp issued December 13, 1989. Nine British merchant ships to her credit, the German pocket battleship Graf Spee was spotted by a faster British fleet of three cruisers on December 13, 1939. Graf Spee was an easy match for any one of the cruisers, but failed to defeat them together. After suffering extensive damage, she fled to the neutral harbor at Montevideo, Uruguay, with the British in pursuit. Believing himself trapped, the ever chivalrous Captain Hans Langsdorff buried his dead, released his prisoners and evacuated his crew. On Sunday, December 17, he scuttled the Graf Spee, then committed suicide. Image Size: 11 x 17.5 in. Overall Size: 14.25 x 20.25 in. Unframed. (B12265)

Dennis Lyall (American, B. 1946) "20th C Carving of Uncle Sam Toy" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Canvas. 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. 37c Uncle Sam stamp issued April 3, 2003. This painting features a particularly whimsical example of 20th-century folk art. Pedaling a high-wheel bicycle a tall and long-leg Uncle Sam patriotically waves a crisply unfurled "Liberty" flag. The bicycle itself is made from cast iron while the wheels are trimmed in oak. Uncle Sam's hand-painted clothing -- appropriately colored in red, white and blue -- is manufactured from tin. Originally consisting of 13 stars and 13 stripes, Old Glory was first modified in 1795, when two more stars and two more stripes were added to reflect the admission to the Union of Vermont and Kentucky. In 1818, after the admission of five more states, the number of stripes was permanently reduced back to 13 to represent the original colonies, while the number of stars was increased to 20 to reflect the current number of states in the Union. Since then one star for each new state has been added to flag on the 4th of July following that state's date of admission. In 1912, an executive order standardized the proportions and relative sizes of the elements of the flag its official overall width-to-length ratio is 10 to 19). In 1934, its exact shades of color were also standardized. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 18 x 15.5 in. Unframed. (B17107)

David K. Stone (American, 1922 - 2001) "Pearl Harbor" 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 painting which appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 50c Japanese Attack Pearl Harbor 1941 - American Warplanes stamp issued December 7, 1991. At 8 a.m. on the morning of December 7, 1941, Army Lt. General Walter Short heard from his quarters the distant rat-tat of gunfire and the muted roar of aircraft engines. Within minutes a junior officer confirmed that Fort Shafter 13 miles inland from Pearl Harbor, was under attack from enemy aircraft, as were Wheeler and Hickam Fields and Kaneohe Naval Air Station. Chaos ruled the day, for Short -- fearful of sabotage -- had ordered all aircraft to be kept in wing-to-wing formations in the center of the unprotected airfields. Although only a few aircraft survived the first attack, American pilots attempted to pursue the enemy. But their valiant efforts could not stem the Japanese onslaught, which had effectively destroyed 75 percent of America's Pacific-based air power. Image Size: 27 x 19.25 in. Overall Size: 27 x 24.25 in. Unframed. (B13411 / B13412 / B13413 / B13414)

Dean Ellis (New York, 1920 - 2009) "Northern (Steller) Sea Lion" 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 paiting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 25c Northern Sea Lion stamp issued October 3, 1990. From the Soviet Union's Sea of Okhotsk to California's San Miguel Island, the month of May rings with the deep-throated roar of the Northern or Steller Sea Lion. May is the season when the huge bulls gather on isolated rocky shorelines to fight for a home territory and to gather harems of ten to twenty cows. The Steller Sea Lion is the largest of its family, with the males often attaining a weight of 2,000 pounds -- three times as much as their mates. A shy animal, the Steller Sea Lion requires breeding ground far from the reaches of man. Today, some 250,000 sea lions live and breed on the rocky shorelines of Alaska, Russia and British Columbia where they eat a wide variety of marine life, primarily fish. Image Size: 17.5 x 15.25 in. Overall Size: 24 x 24 in. Unframed. (B12470)

Dick Simms (American, B. 1932) "Buckboard 1880s" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. 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 of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 4.9c Buckboard 1880s stamp issued June 21, 1985. Before the advent of the automobile and other modern forms of transportation, the horse-drawn carriage was one of the most popular ways to travel. Through the years, carriages were developed to fit particular needs, especially road conditions. One of these specialized carriages was the buckboard. The buckboard was especially suited for use on rough country roads which made it popular in the American west. The sturdily built buckboard was able to haul people and supplies along deeply rutted and unpaved roadways. Because of its tough but light construction, it was able to travel into remote areas a larger freight wagon could not go. A low-slung vehicle, it had one or more seats which were placed on risers mounted on one or more flexible, spring like boards bolted directly to the axles. In later years, some models of the buckboard were equipped with springs. Image Size: 12.25 x 16.75 in. Overall Size: 14.75 x 19.75 in. Unframed. (B09481)

Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "American Shorthair and Persian Cats" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. 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. 22c American Shorthair and Persian Cats stamp issued February 5, 1988. Harking back to the days of Ancient Egypt, the classic Egyptian tabby is the one from which all breeds of cat are thought to have descended. Sporting an auburn coat striped with white, this first shorthair was predecessor to millions. Even today in America, shorthaired cats are the most common, and are found in variations of black, white, tabby and tortoiseshell. The Black Cat, of course, gets the most attention, as its color and stealth have lent it great mystery. Superstition surrounds this cat and its actions are carefully monitored by wary people throughout the world. A true White American Shorthair is very rare and takes years of careful breeding to achieve. In its pure form, this cat has a pink nose and blue eyes. Tabbies are striped and come in varying colors -- gray, brown, red and silver among them. They are generally quite common. Another breed of Shorthair, the Tortoiseshell is distinguished by patches of black, cream, or red. Interestingly, Tortoiseshell Cats are almost always female. A variation is the more common Calico Cat. Also featured with the American Shorthair is the Persian Cat. A member of the longhaired breeds, the Persian is considered among the elite of domestic cats. Handsome and aloof, the Persians are often blue in color, although it is the White-Haired variety that is presumed to be the original long-haired cat. Black Persians are very rare, but they are exceptionally beautiful and are highly prized by their owners. Image Size: 13.75 x 12 in. Overall Size: 22.25 x 20.25 in. Unframed. (B11362)

Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Kittens and Puppy under Christmas Tree" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. 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. 13c Puppy and Kitten Christmas stamp issued November 3, 1982. At Christmas, man recaptures some of the lighthearted joy and faith of childhood . . . when it was easy to believe in Santa driving his reindeer across the skies . . . when it was even possible to hear (if one listened closely) the faint jingle of his sleigh bells in that endless night of waiting for Christmas Day to dawn. Christmas is the time when children reveal their most impossible desires. Little girls are not afraid to ask for playful little ponies, while little boys dream of a real spaceship that can fly to the moon. But, the real magic of Christmas is when morning finally comes, and the little girl is equally delighted to discover a cuddly little fur-ball kitten waiting to greet her, and the little boy is thrilled to find a puppy under the Christmas Tree . . . one he can call his very own. Image Size: 16.25 x 14 in. Overall Size: 24.25 x 22 in. Unframed. (B07758)

Ed Little (American, B. 1957) "Washington State" Signed lower left. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. 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. 25c Washington Statehood stamp issued February 22, 1989. The earliest written history of Washington state, located in the northwest corner of the continental United States, is contained in the records of the first Spanish, British, and American explorers, some purportedly dated as early as 1592. These records laid the groundwork for later disputes over territorial rights in the Pacific Northwest. The first real settlers, however, were the fur traders and missionaries who came to the Northwest beginning in the early 1800's to pursue their livelihood. Later, with the discovery of gold in the northeastern part of the territory in 1855, came a flood of prospectors. Local tribes, increasingly concerned about the fate of their hunting grounds, did not welcome the influx, and the late 1850's were marked by intermittent wars. The rapid settlement of eastern Washington contributed to the annexation of parts of the territory to the new Territory of Idaho. By 1863, the permanent boundaries of the future state of Washington were fixed, except for a few minor adjustments concerning the San Juan Islands. Because of its remoteness, the region experienced slow population growth until the coming of the railroad in 1883 which was accompanied by rapid development. During the Civil War, enthusiasm for statehood in the Washington Territory was strong, but close to twelve more years would pass before Washington became the forty-second of the United States on November 11, 1889. Image Size: 17.25 x 15 in. Overall Size: 20 x 17 in. Unframed. (B11937)

Ed Little (American, B. 1957) "Santa Claus" 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 painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 29c Santa Claus stamp issued October 17, 1999. "His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples -- how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!" in 1822 Clement C. Moore wrote a charming Yuletide story especially for his children. Originally titled "A Visit from Saint Nicholas," the entrancing story came to be called "The Night Before Christmas." In poetic style, the saga humorously chronicled Moore's fictional encounter with Santa Claus and gave many readers their first portrait of the "jolly old elf." The mythology surrounding this fabled fellow dates back to 300 A.D. and centers on Saint Nicholas, bishop of Myra in Lycia, who under cover of night took gifts to the needy. Nicholas' fame spread after his death, and many European countries began to celebrate December 6 -- his feast day -- with joyful revelry, the exchange of gifts and sumptuous repasts. Dutch settlers brought the custom to the New World during the 17th century. St. Nicholas, or Sinterklaas as Dutch children called him, was originally pictured as a tall, slender man of stately demeanor. But in America his appearance -- and his name -- changed. Sinterklass became Santa Claus, and with the help of American educator and poet Clement Moore, the saint evolved into a round, jolly elf with rosy cheeks, a white mane of flowing hair and a long beard. Image Size: 25 x 21.5 in. Overall Size: 32 x 27.75 in. Unframed. (B13391)

Ed Little (American, B. 1957) "Contemporary Christmas with Santa" Signed lower left. Original oil painting on Illustration Board. 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. 25c Christmas Tree stamp issued October 18, 1990. "Dear Editor: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says 'If you see it in the Sun, it's so.' Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus? Virginia O'Hanlon." This letter appeared in the now-defunct New York Sun almost one hundred years ago. Today, it stands as the most memorable letter-to-the-editor ever written. Equally famous is the reply, written in a Sun editorial on September 21, 1897 by Francis Pharcellus Church: "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias.... No Santa Claus! Thank God, he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood." Indeed, the legend of Santa Claus has survived the sharp scrutiny of generations of youngsters, beginning in the 4th century with Saint Nicholas, bishop of Myra, Lycia, and continuing to present day. Today, Ol' Saint Nick remains as much a part of Christmas as gift-giving, love, Christmas trees. Image Size: 17.5 x 15.5 in. Overall Size: 25.25 x 20 in. Unframed. (B12517)

Erik Nitsche (Swiss, 1908 - 1998) "Cube Houses in the Netherlands" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor/ink painting on Illustration Board. 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 Netherlands Europa 1987 Modern Art - Architecture stamp issued May 12, 1987. The unusual and interesting houses pictured in this artwork are Cube Houses designed by architect Piet Blom. The houses are located in Drenthe, which is a province in the northeast of the Netherlands. Piet Blom was born in the capital city of Amsterdam in 1943. He belonged to the most important representatives of the new Dutch structuralism, and he later specialized in urbanism. Although the uniqueness of Blom's Cube Houses may make them appear to be the product of a personal whim or self-expression, the house are really an end result of the intellectual, social, and technical conditions of our modern times. This analytical, structural approach distinguishes the design of the 20th century from previous periods and from it stems the liberation of the modern designer from preconveived notions of styles or forms. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 20 x 15 in. Unframed. (B10764)

Erik Nitsche (Swiss, 1908 - 1998) "Lloyd's Building in London" Signed lower left. Original watercolor/ink painting on Illustration Board. 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 Europa 1987 Modern Art - Architecture stamp issued May 12, 1987. Richard Rogers is Great Britain's most famous architect. Born in 1933, he studied at the Architectural Association School in London and at the Yale School of Architecture in New Haven, Connecticut. He also constructed the Lloyd's Building in London. When looking at this building, it is apparent that Rogers exposes functional parts of the structure most architects would work hard to cover up. Among the most dramatic features of the Lloyd's Building are the external glass-sided observation lifts, which were used for the first time in a British building as a main means of vertical transportation. Image Size: 12 x 14 in. Overall Size: 20 x 15 in. Unframed. (B11055)

Erik Nitsche (Swiss, 1908 - 1998) "The Atomium in Belgium" Signed lower right. Original watercolor/ink painting on Illustration Board. 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 Belgium Europa 1987 Modern Art - Architecture stamp issued May 9, 1987. Art Nouveau emerged in Belgium as a dominant force in architecture in the late nineteenth century, and it remains characteristic of much of Belgium's modern architecture. The town of Louvain-la-Neuve has opened opportunities for Belgian architects to experiment with the modern techniques. This artwork portrays the 335 foot high Atomium, built in Brussels in 1958 for the World's Fair. It represents the molecules of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Each globular "atom" houses an exhibit on science and technology, and they are linked by tubes containing escalators and elevators. The Atomium is a magnificent feat of imagination and architecture, and it has become a landmark in Brussels. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 20 x 15 in. Unframed. (B10923)

George Sottung (American, 1927 - 1999) "Tourism Site in Pohnpei - Sokehs Rock" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Federated States of Micronesia First Day Cover for the 29c Tourism Sites of Pohnpei stamp issued October 5, 1993. Known as the "Diamond Head of Micronesia," Sokehs Rock rises 662 feet over Pohnpei's harbor. A natural beacon for seagoing vessels, this impressive promontory beckons visitors to scale its basalt face. Those who reach the top are rewarded with a magnificent vista of Sokehs Island and the rest of Pohnpei. In 1977, an adventurous soul attempted to fly his hang-glider from the top of Sokehs Rock, destined for either Takatik Island or a nearby causeway. Just as he became airborne, the winds abruptly changed course, slamming the unsuspecting pilot and his craft against the face of the rock. Fortunately the flyer recovered from this mishap and today his experience serves as a caution to thrill-seekers contemplating leaps of their own. Less daring tourists opt for a relaxing boat ride that offers several dramatic views of the majestic rock. In addition to its prominence as a point of interest, Sokehs Rock also played a role in Pohnpei's history. In 1910, dissidents fled to the top of the rock seeking refuge from German government troops during the Sokehs Rebellion, Pohnpei's last battle against foreign rule. Image Size: 19.25 x 25 in. Overall Size: 22 x 30 in. Unframed. (B14533)

Gherman Alexeyvich Komlev (Russian, 1933 - 2000) "Columbus in Sight of Land" Signed and titled verso. 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. 1c Columbus Sights Land stamp issued May 22, 1992. At two in the morning on October 12, 1492, a sailor named Juan Rodr?guez Bermejo or Rodrigo de Triana sighted land from the deck of the Pinta, one of Christopher Columbus' three ships. It had been more than a month since the men had seen land as they bobbed west on an empty, lonely ocean. Naturally, the next morning the Spaniards were jubilant as they laid eyes upon a tropical paradise flushed with the golden light of dawn. According to legend, disbelievers among the crew were finally convinced that Columbus was divinely inspired and fell to their knees in front of him. This legend was the inspiration of a painting created by George William Henry Powell (1823-1879). In the center of Powell's painting stands a staunch, controlled Columbus among his elated and reverent men. It is believed that engravers crafted the 1-cent Columbus in Sight of Land stamp from Powell's work. Of the 16 commemorative stamps issued in 1893 for the Chicago Exposition, this stamp departs the farthest from the original painting, possibly due to the painting's obvious religious overtones and the U.S. Postal Service's desire to ensure separation of church and state. The original, once thought "lost," but it turned up in a private collection in New York City. Image Size: 10.25 x 20.5 in. Overall Size: 13.75 x 23.25 in. Unframed. (B13759)

Gordon Beningfield (British, 1936 - 1998) "Rue Anemone" Signed lower right. Original watercolor/gouache painting. 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. 29c stamp issued July 24, 1992. A dainty flower of eastern woodlands, rue anemone grows in dry, open woods and slopes. The white or pinkish flowers -- which bloom from March to June -- arise from a pair or whorl of roundish leaflets. Longer-lasting than many of the early spring flowers, the blossoms are composed of colored sepals, rather than petals, with many stamens and pistils. The leaves of rue anemone closely resemble those of another member of the buttercup family called meadow rue. The similarity in their scientific names reflects those common characteristics. Rue anemone is the only representative of its genus. Both Native Americans and pioneers harvested the clusters of roots or tubers -- similar to wild potatoes -- for food. Such a practice should not be encouraged today, however, since dividing the roots harms the plant and the removal of any plants depletes the population. Image Size: 7 x 6 in. Overall Size: 12 x 11.25 in. Unframed. (B12766)

Gordon Beningfield (British, 1936 - 1998) "Smooth Solomon's Seal" Signed lower right. Original watercolor/gouache painting on Illustration Board. 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 of the U.S. 29c Smooth Solomon's Seal stamp issued July 24, 1992. A member of the lily family, smooth Solomon's seal grows in dry to moist soils or deciduous woods and thickets. The stalkless leaves -- attached to a single arching stem -- are smooth on both sides. Elongated, bell-like flowers, usually white tinged with yellow or green, hang in pairs from the axils of each leaf as the species name -- biflorum -- indicates. The blossoms appear from April to July. The fruits of Solomon's seal are bluish-black berries about the size of a pea. Solomon's seal spreads by an underground stem or rhizome. The genus name, which means "many knees", describes the knobby appearance of the rhizome. Because only one stem develops each year, the age of the plant can be determined by counting the number of stem scars. The common name refers to the resemblance of the stem scars to King Solomon's official seal. Native Americans prepared food from the berries, roots and young shoots of Solomon's seal. Image Size: 7 x 6 in. Overall Size: 12 x 11 in. Unframed. (B12815)

Howard Koslow (1924 - 2016) "Dwight Eisenhower" Signed lower right. Original oil Painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood Maximum Card for the U.S. 25c Dwight Eisenhower stamp issued October 13, 1990. While many of the men who achieve greatness and fame do so early in life, Dwight David Eisenhower's meteoric rise to worldwide recognition did not occur until he was into his fifties. After displaying brilliance in directing campaigns against German forces in North Africa and Sicily during the height of World War II, Eisenhower was selected to be the top commander of all Allied troops in Europe in January 1944. In early June of that year under his bold, yet careful command, the Allied troops stormed the beaches at Normandy on D-Day, catching the German troops by complete surprise. Then, as would a master chess player, Eisenhower made daring move after daring move to direct the troops across France and liberated Paris on August 25, 1944. His Allied armies fought bravely through a long European winter, crossing the Rhine River in the spring of 1945. Finally, on May 7, 1945, Eisenhower accepted the unconditional surrender of Germany -- thanks in a large part to his even-handed and unifying command and leadership. "Ike" was at once the perfect choice to be a candidate for Presidency of the United States. Convinced to run as a Republican in 1952, he campaigned tirelessly across America, impressing the people with his honesty and sincerity. Elected by a landslide, first in 1952, then again in 1956, Eisenhower left the nation's highest office in 1961 as one of the most popular men in American history. Image Size: 8.75 x 12.25 in. Overall Size: 14.25 x 17.5 in. Unframed. (B12643)

Ivan Kozlov (Russian, B. 1937) "Greater Scaup" Signed and dated ('90) lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original which was published on the First Day Cover for the USSR 15k Greater Scaup stamp issued July 1, 1991. The tundra potholes of Siberia are home to the Greater Scaup, a species of diving duck. After the breeding season on the arctic tundra, the Greater Scaup will lead its seven to ten offspring south to warmer climates, with "lay-overs" on such waters as the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea and the Sea of Japan, where large flocks will rest and ride out the choppy waves, diving and feeding. Known also as "big bluebill," huge rafts of the Greater Scaup -- as many as 50,000 birds -- will converge on open saltwater bays during late autumn and winter. There, ducks will dive for mollusks and other tidbits of food. Entire flocks will often dive in unison after a strange ritual of rearing into the air, shaking their wings and then, plunging. Even these large flocks are eerily silent; only when the Greater Scaup is alarmed does it voice the sound that is part of its name: scaup, scaup, scaup. The drake's harlequin plumage is often confused with the Lesser Scaup, but the latter duck is both smaller and darker. Shades of iridescent green cover the head of the drake Greater Scaup when observed through field glasses and from nearby. The profile of the head is also an aid to identification; the Greater Scaup's is rounded and not as pointed as that of the Lesser. Yet for the novice birder, distinguishing the Greater Scaup from the Lesser is an art which is mastered only through experience and practice. Image Size: 13.75 x 11.75 in. Overall Size: 18.25 x 14.25 in. Unframed. (B12918)

Ivan Kozlov (Russian, B. 1937) "Garganey" Signed and dated ('92) lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original which was published on a First Day Cover for a Russia Duck stamp issued July 1, 1992. The Garganey is indigenous to northern Eurasia but may extend its range as far west as Germany. Closely related to the Blue-winged Teal and roughly its same size, this duck is commonly found in still or slow-running waters which are surrounded by lush vegetation. While not as spectacularly colored as some other species of duck, both sexes of Garganey still present attractive pictures. The drake's unique plumage includes a purple-brown head with distinctive white "eyebrows," a black breast and speckled, brown-to-buff lower back and tail. The hen resembles female North American teals, but it too has distinguishing eye marks -- contrasting light and dark patterns which surround the eye and extend to the back of the head. A lighter spot at the base of the bill accentuates both cheeks. The female's loud quack is teal-like, but the male's voice is confined to low, single-noted cackles. The Garganey's breeding ground stretches from Iceland to norther Asia. North Central Africa is its wintering site. During spring and fall migrations, the waterbird can be found on the western Aleutian Islands, and only casually occurs on the North American continent. Its breeding season commences in early spring and from May to June, the female lays eight to 11 eggs. Incubation lasts approximately 23 days. The newly hatched young, once dry, follow their mother to water for their first swim. Image Size: 13.75 x 11.75 in. Overall Size: 18.25 x 15.5 in. Unframed. (B13795)

Jack Fellows (American, B. 1941) "A-1J Skyraider" Signed lower left. 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 Republic of the Marshall Islands 33c A-1J Skyraider stamp issued June 1, 1999. Introduced in 1946, the Douglas A-1J Skyraider was the Navy's first single-seat dive bomber. Capable of flying for long periods and delivering an amazing amount of firepower with a high degree of accuracy, the Skyraider served for years as the backbone of the Navy's carrier attack forces. Image Size: 16.5 x 14 in. Overall Size: 18.5 x 15.75 in. Unframed. (B14359)

Jack Fellows (American, B. 1941) "F-80 Shooting Star" 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 Republic of the Marshall Islands 32c F2H Banshee stamp issued August 28, 1998. Affectionately nicknamed "Old Banjo," the F2H Banshee performed admirably in the Korean War as both a Navy and Marine Corps fighter-bomber and photo-reconnaissance aircraft. In July 1953, Banshees conducted fierce attacks against dug-in forces of the Chinese Red Army in central Korea. Image Size: 16.5 x 14 in. Overall Size: 18.5 x 16 in. Unframed. (B13887)

Jim Butcher (American, B. 1944) "Amber Waves of Grain" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. 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. 18c "...for amber waves of grain" stamp issued April 24, 1981. For Americans, faith in the future has historically been closely tied to a faith in the boundless land reaching from sea to shining sea. As Americans gradually unfolded the continent's wonders -- discovering what crops would grow on it, what riches lay buried beneath its soil and how one could most conveniently move across its vast expanses -- they reinforced their faith in their homeland as a boundless treasure house to be explored and discovered at their will. This faith in their country led Americans to tame the frontier, overcoming seemingly insurmountable barriers to develop their land into the proud, rich nation it is today. Nowhere is this faith in America more perfectly put to song than in the favorite anthem America the Beautiful. From spacious skies above to purple mountain majesties and fruited plain, the song paints a vivid, colorful picture of America in all her vastness and beauty. America the Beautiful is a song of patriotism -- patriotism for the nation's wealth of natural resources, unspoiled beauty, and abundant food supplies. However, it is no less an anthem of thanksgiving for the unmeasured blessings Americans reap by being part of this great land. Penned by Katharine Lee Bates with melody by Samuel Ward, America the Beautiful captures through moving literary phrases and melodious musical chords the essence of the American people's faith in their beloved homeland. Image Size: 16.75 x 14.75 in. Overall Size: 20.25 x 18.25 in. Unframed. (B07138)

Jim Butcher (American, B. 1944) "Franklin Roosevelt Signing Social Security Act" Signed and dated lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was used on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 22 Social Security Act stamp issued August 14, 1985. With the industrialization of America in the late nineteenth century, more and more Americans became totally dependent upon wages for a living. However, very few families had any protection against the loss of their income due to old age, death or disability. Indeed, most welfare and retirement plans were the responsibility of the worker and his family. When a family's resources became insufficient, many were forced to depend on churches for charity. Finally, in response to the devastating effects of the Great Depression, President Franklin Roosevelt set up a committee which recommended the establishment of the Social Security Act of 1935. Designed to provide workers and their families with insurance for a safe and secure future, this act provided an umbrella of essential protections for American workers. The newly enacted Social Security program provided benefits for old age, survivor and disability insurance; hospital insurance; compensation for unemployment; and public assistance and health and welfare services -- all of which were financed by payroll taxes. Because most workers were without an organized pension plan, millions of Americans became eligible for a retirement plan for the first time under the provisions of the act. Today, 37 million people benefit from America's Social Security programs. Image Size: 16.5 x 16.25 in. Overall Size: 24.25 x 22 in. Unframed. (B09744)

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 painting appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 25c Steamboat Experiment stamp issued March 3, 1989. The first time a paddle wheel was used to propel a boat dates back to ancient Rome. The idea of using revolving wheels to propel a vessel through water appeared again and again through the centuries and eventually the idea of powering the wheels with steam materialized. In the early 1780's in America, an inventor named John Fitch, and an engineer, named Henry Voight, began the design and construction of a steamboat propelled by six twelve-foot vertical oars placed on either side of the craft. They tested it in the Delaware River in 1787. Although she proved extremely slow, she was still the first vessel in American waters to actually move under her own steam. By 1788, the two men had redesigned their vessel by trial and error, giving the new boat three rectangular paddles operating off of the stem 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. Various modifications to the vessel during the next two years did not bring the Experiment enough speed to compete with ground transportation -- the steamboat trip still took longer than did the journey by stagecoach. Consistently, the little steamer lost money on her voyages, until finally she was withdrawn from service altogether in the summer of 1790. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 20.5 x 18 in. Unframed. (B11899)

Keith Reynolds (American, B. 1929) "Spanish Ship Santa Maria de la Vittoria". Original Oil painting on Canvas Board. Signed lower right. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original which appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 32c Spanish Ship Santa Maria de la Vittoria stamp issued May 5, 1995. Historic research suggests that Spain's Santa Maria de la Vittoria -- with a displacement of nearly 300 tons -- was larger than a galleon and most likely classified as a carrack. In 1525, the massive warship was part of a Spanish expedition launched to install a governor in the Molucca Islands. It is believed that the Santa Maria de la Vittoria visited the Marshall Islands while en route to this archipelago situated south of the Philippines. However, her journey proved to be ill-fated. Upon the ship's arrival at the Moluccas, she was engaged in battle. The concussions of her own guns opened her seams to the sea. Image Size: 16 x 24 in. Overall Size: 20 x 24 in. Unframed. (B14995)

Keith Reynolds (American, B. 1929) "British Brig Nautilus" 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 which appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 40c British Brig Nautilus stamp issued September 23, 1994. By the end of the 1700s, Micronesia had been intersected by three different trade routes. Established by British merchantmen, these paths also took ships past Ratak and Ralik, the two island chains of the Marshalls. With the advent of the fur trade, these lanes became heavily employed by cargo ships hauling pelts from America's northwestern coast to points south. The British Brig Nautilus, en route to Australia and China on just such a journey, sailed near the eastern edge of the Marshall Islands group. On that trip the crew sighted Maloelap, Erikub and Jemo, all located in the Ratak chain. Image Size: 13 x 24 in. Overall Size: 20 x 24 in. Unframed. (B14774)

Lyle Tayson (American, 1924 - 2014) "Bella Coola Tribe" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor 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 U.S. 15c Bella Coola Tribe stamp issued September 25, 1980. In the dead of winter, they would meet as members of secret societies. Some were healing societies, some conjuring societies, some war societies, and some societies for inducting youths or new members. First, initiates were induced into trance-like states for communion with the spirits. Then, by the light of slow-burning fires, the dances would begin. Bella Coola ceremonial masks were among the most dramatic, and often terrifying, of any of the tribes of the Northwest Coast. Although they were nearly always human-like, they were usually large with heavy, fleshy surfaces. The faces bore thick eyebrows and ponderous jowls as enlarged, staring eyes seemed thrust forward from their sockets above thick, full lips. The mouths were frequently ajar, as if arrested in sudden surprise, and tension was built into the expression. Many masks featured complex appendages, moveable parts and faces within faces. Others gyrated, rotated or popped up from secret places within another mask. Thus, the dancers wearing these masks could often tell a whole story just by their proper operation. The Bella Coola had a custom of burning their masks following tribal ceremonies, providing incentive for carvers to create anew the masks needed for each year's dances. Sadly, between 1860 and 1900, whole regions became ravaged by disease and the Bella Coola and their remarkable art forms almost disappeared. Image Size: 20 x 18 in. Overall Size: 22.5 x 18.5 in. Unframed. (B05942)

Lyle Tayson (American, 1924 - 2014) "Tlingit Tribe" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting 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 U.S. 15c Tligit Tribe stamp issued September 25, 1980. The mythological history of the Tlingits goes back to a time when everyone lived in darkness in a village at the mouth of the Nass River. The sun, moon and stars were kept in a box by the wily Raven, a supreme deity whose trickery eventually put them in the sky to set a chaotic world in order. Today, the Tlingits inhabit the islands and coastal lands of southern Alaska from Yakutat Bay to Cape Fox. Their beliefs have changed somewhat but, as the Tlingits themselves will say, "To understand us, you must know our myths, our stories." Mask making, for example, is rather formal, utilizing subtle sculptural forms to lure the shaman's spiritual helpers. The Tlingit shamans traditionally owned and wore a large number of masks in performing their duties as healers, exorcists and seers. In fact, the shamans possessed the finest representations of the human face, although their masks often symbolized animals and other natural phenomena. Through the centuries, the Tlingits developed a tradition of providing a face for every object in their material world, be it animate or inanimate. And these faces were the essence of their masks. Carvers were highly respected for their gift, the power to see what others could not and to transform their visions into impressive and instantly recognizable images. To this end, Tlingit masks often had mouths and eyes that opened and closed and eyebrows that rose and descended, giving them an eerily expressive quality. Image Size: 20 x 18 in. Overall Size: 30.25 x 22.25 in. Unframed. (B05943)

Mel Crawford (Canadian, B. 1925) "Argentina" Signed lower left. Original watercolor painting on Illustration Board. 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 of the U.N. 22c Argentina Flags of the U.N. Series stamp issued September 18, 1987. The second largest country in South America, Argentina occupies most of the southern part of the continent between the Andes mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Argentina is a rugged and beautiful country extending from her towering Andes Mountains in the west to her exotic sun-drenched beaches in the east. The country contains the breathtaking Iguassu Falls, and the famous Christ of the Andes statue on the border of Chile and Argentina. In the southern part of the country lies the sub-antarctic Patagonia -- a very large and dry windswept plateau that contains some of the world's most unique animals, including penguins, sea lions and elephant seals. Argentina's largest city and capital, Buenos Aires, holds nearly half of her total population. Argentines are a blend of many European nationalities, although Spanish and Italians are dominant. Along the country's rugged plains, Gauchos -- or Argentine cowboys -- herd cattle and sheep. They are famous for their ability to break wild horses. Argentina exports few industrial products, depending largely on agricultural goods for its revenues. It is the world's third largest producer of meat, fourth largest producer of wool, and ranks fourth in the number of sheep and cattle per capita. Argentina is also one of the most important exporters of wheat in the world. The rest of the country's export products include corn, soybeans, cotton and hides. Argentina is a beautiful country with a panorama of natural resources, breathtaking vistas and famous sights. Image Size: 14.25 x 12.25 in. Overall Size: 17.5 x 15.25 in. Unframed. (B11044)

Mel Crawford (Canadian, B. 1925) "Canada Christmas 1981" Signed lower left. Original watercolor painting on Illustration Board. 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 Canada 15c Merry Christmas Joyeux Noel stamp issue of November 16, 1981. Christmas inspires the most extravagant decorations. In Canada, the merry season is proclaimed by holly and pine decked houses, with mistletoe and poinsettia, and -- most important of all -- by the family Christmas tree. Canadians decorate untold millions of trees every year. And few decisions a family may make in a year are likely to receive as much loving consideration and passionate debate as the purchase and decoration of the tree. Once chosen and set up, the tree is topped by the family star. Next come strings of electric lights, which are certain to set off arguments over whether there are too many green lights on one side and not enough blue on the other. Then come gleaming balls in brilliant colors and the gay frivolities -- the bells, lanterns, cones, reflectors and icicles, and the paper chains pasted and popcorn strung by the children. Every family divides on the issue of the final tinsel. Elders hang it strand by strand, while younger members take delight in tossing it by the handful. The family tree stands at the center of Christmas, transforming Canadian living rooms with its splendid size and fragrance. All the ceremonies around it -- the shopping together for one of just the right size and fullness, the trimming of its branches with ornaments cherished down through the years, and the excited opening of presents on Christmas morning -- serve to unite the family. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 17.25 x 15 in. Unframed. (B06193)

Paul Calle (1928 - 2010) and Chris Calle (B. 1961) "1960s - Star Trek" Signed lower right. Original watercolor painting on Illustration Board. 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. Celebrate the Century Series 33c stamp issued September 17, 1999. In 1966, an exciting new science fiction television show created by Gene Roddenberry captured the wholehearted attention of the American viewing public. Star Trek was meant to entertain -- as it certainly did -- but it soon became apparent the show was, to many viewers, far more than mere entertainment. One of the main characters is Spock, the unflappable first officer of the starship Enterprise. Born in 2230 on the planet Vulcan, to a Vulcan father and human mother, Spock is a strict vegetarian, has pointed ears and green blood, and is gifted with superior strength and intellect. He was taught as a child to use logic, while suppressing all emotion, which Vulcans believe to be the prime cause of violence. Although Spock hates killing, he can kill with chilling efficiency if dictated by logic. The Enterprise, with a crew of more than 400, is the largest starship in the United Federation of Planets' fleet and is on a mission to peacefully explore the galaxy. As the only Vulcan aboard, Spock is the ship's science officer and second in command to Captain Kirk, who Spock admires above all other men. For more than 30 years the adventures of the Enterprise and its fascinating crew have captivated Star Trek fans. Heading into the 21st century, Star Trek is nothing less than an entertainment phenomenon. Image Size: 17 x 11.5 in. Overall Size: 23 x 16 in. Unframed. (B16521 / B16522)

Paul Calle (1928 - 2010) and Chris Calle (B. 1961) "1960s - The Beatles" Signed lower right. Original watercolor painting on Illustration Board. 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. Celebrate the Century Series 33c The Beatles stamp issued September 17, 1999. History was made on February 9, 1964, when Ed Sullivan introduced the Beatles, a longhaired rock group from Great Britain, to an American audience. When the Beatles sang I Want to Hold Your Hand, a frenzied mob of young girls wept and screamed so loud no one could hear the performance. Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, John Lennon and George Harrison made three appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show. Two of these appearances earned Sullivan his highest ratings ever. For the next five years the group's popularity only increased. Beatlemania affected American kids just as it had their British counterparts, and millions of young men grew their hair long in adulation. But the Beatles, who were superb composers and musicians, also held a strong attraction for adults. Although their songs were relatively simple, they conveyed a sophistication that set them apart from their contemporaries. One song composed by Paul McCartney started off as Scrambled Eggs, but when McCartney recorded it in 1965 with only a guitar -- the first solo single by a Beatle -- it was called Yesterday and would become one of the most-recorded in music history. In April 1970, one month before the release of the Beatles' Let It Be, McCartney released his first solo album. Later that same year, the Beatles disbanded. Image Size: 15 x 11 in. Overall Size: 23 x 16 in. Unframed. (B16546 / B16547)

Paul Calle (1928 - 2010) and Chris Calle (B. 1961) "World Demands Justice from War Criminals" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original which appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands The 20th Century series 60c World Demands Justice from War Criminals stamp issued November 16, 1998. "This trial . . . is of supreme importance to millions of people allover the globe," announced the presiding judge of the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg, Germany, on November 20, 1945. Over a period of 10 months, 21 defendants -- Nazi Party, German government, German military and naval leaders -- were charged with crimes against peace, war crimes, crimes against humanity and conspiracy. Ten were sentenced to hang. Fittingly, their bodies were disposed of in the same concentration camp ovens used for so many thousands of their victims. In May 1946, 28 more defendants were brought to trial in Japan for war crimes. On December 23, 1948, seven were executed for their terrible deeds. The establishment of these International Tribunals established the principle that war criminals would be held accountable for their actions. Image Size: 9.75 x 14 in. Overall Size: 13 x 22 in. Unframed. (B16219 / B16220)

Paul Calle (American, 1928 - 2010) and Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Space Exploration Captivates Millions" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor/ Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. 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 The 20th Century Series 60c Space Exploration Captivates Millions stamp issued March 15, 2000. In the 1990s, people around the world were captivated by space exploration. On April 24, 1990, the space shuttle Discovery launched the Hubble Space Telescope. On September 11, 1997, NASA's Mars Global Surveyor began orbiting the red planet for a two year mapping survey of the entire Martian surface. On July 4, 1997, NASA's Pathfinder and its semi-autonomous rover Sojourner successfully landed on Mars. After Pathfinder's touchdown, Sojourner -- a microwave oven-size vehicle -- traveled down a ramp and began exploring its alien surroundings. For the first time in the history of America's space program, the Mars Pathfinder mission demonstrated the ability of engineers to deliver a semi-autonomous roving vehicle, capable of conducting science experiments, to the surface of another planet. Image Size: 9 x 13 in. Overall Size: 13 x 20 in. Unframed. (B16755 / B16756)

Shannon Stirnweis (American, B. 1931) "Rome Falls to Allies" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 50c Rome Falls To Allies 1944 mint stamp issued June 4, 1994. For nine long months, Allied forces crept toward Rome, battling rugged terrain, inclement weather and fierce resistance from the German army. A series of bloody conflicts marked their progress as they inched closer to the Eternal City. Finally, on June 4, 1944, despite Germany's skillful defensive tactics, Lieutenant General Mark W. Clark's 5th Army penetrated the environs of Rome with an interminable advance of infantry and tanks. The next day, the retreating Germans were headed 150 miles north, while U.S. Forces were inside the liberated city. That same day, Clark entered Rome at the head of a some convoy of Jeeps and was greeted by a cheering throng. Image Size: 15 x 22.75 in. Overall Size: 19.25 x 26.5 in. Unframed. (B14669)

Shannon Stirnweis (American, B. 1931) "Buffalo Bill Cody" Signed lower center. Original Oil 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 of Issue Maximum Card of the 15c Buffalo Bill Cody stamp issued on June 6, 1988. In 1846, as American eyes turned toward the setting sun, and young men dreamed of going West, William Frederick Cody was born. At the age of 14, he answered an ad for "young, skinny, wiry fellows, not over 18. Must be expert riders, willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred and the legend of Buffalo Bill began. A Pony Express rider, he was but a boy taking on the West, but his skill as a rider, and his daring, suited him for life on the great American frontier. When the Pony Express was superseded by completion of the ocean-to-ocean telegraph, and Civil War loomed, Cody joined an anti-slavery organization and later served as a Union Scout. After the War, he became a hunter, supplying meat for workmen who were building the railroad west. Cody's skill as a marksman, and his love for the rugged wilderness, earned him the nickname, Buffalo Bill. He served as a Civilian Scout for the military, and was awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor for gallantry in a fight with Indians along the Platte River. But, the Medal was revoked in 1917, because he had not been a member of the military when it was bestowed. In 1883, Buffalo Bill began the work which made him legend. In that year, he started the Wild West Show, depicting a tough American West, and featuring Sitting Bull and famed marksmen Frank North, Doc Carver, and Buffalo Bill. In 1884, Annie Oakley joined the Show. Touring the U.S. and Europe, Buffalo Bill brought the thrill of the West to the world. Image Size: 13.5 x 18.25 in. Overall Size: 16.5 x 21.5 in. Unframed. (B11468)

Skip Whitcomb (American, B. 1946) "Fishing from a Boat" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. 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 of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 19c Fishing Boat stamp issued August 8, 1991. "He was an old man who fished alone in a skiff in the Gulf Stream and he had gone eighty-four days now without taking a fish." With this sentence, Ernest Hemingway began his immortal classic The Old Man and the Sea (1952). Hemingway masterfully silenced critics with its publication, later winning the Pulitzer Prize for the work, a simple tale of an old man, a fish, the sea and a boat. For as long as man has turned to the sea for food, boats have played an important role. Fishing boats such as those belonging to the old man in Hemingway's yarn have transported man onto lake, river and ocean for centuries. As early as 6000 B.C., the Egyptians built boats from tightly-woven bundles of reeds, craft which took them out onto the waters of the Nile and into the Mediterranean in a never-ending quest for fish. The first boats employing planking along the sides supported by ribs were developed in 2000 B.C. in Crete. Slowly, the fishing boat took on different designs around the world, each design adapted to the waters and available construction materials in specific areas. Today, some of the old designs are still in use and fishing boats still play a very crucial role in modern economies. Contemporary fishermen may rely upon dozens of inventions from electronic sonar equipment to locate fish, to sensitive instruments which gauge water quality, but even the best fishermen of today can go many days without taking a fish just as Hemingway's Old Man. Image Size: 10 x 15.25 in. Overall Size: 13.75 x 18 in. Unframed. (B12954)

Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "Bombing of Dresden" Oil on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This is the original painting which appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 55c Bombing of Dresden 1945 stamp issued February 13, 1995. Though the war in Europe was nearly at an end, the Western Allies still had something to prove to their Soviet counterparts. Winston Churchill, in particular, felt it vital to make a show of force to convince the Russians that Anglo-American air power remained crucial to the war effort. Thus the British and Americans focused their attention on Dresden. A lovely city famed for its porcelain, Dresden -- though a major transportation center -- had been largely untouched by war. In early 1945, it was swollen by refugees from across Germany, who deemed it a safe haven. That feeling was to change drastically on February 13th. On that night alone, more than 2,600 tons of bombs fell on the city. Its wooden structures erupted in a firestorm that killed up to 135,000 people -- perhaps more than the atomic blast at Hiroshima. In just hours, much of the storied city was reduced to ashes. Image Size: 16 x 16.5 in. Overall Size: 20 x 20.5 in. Unframed. (B14941)

Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Art Deco Eagle" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. 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 of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 29c Yorktown Lost World War II Series stamp issued August 17, 1992. Commanding a colossal force of 160 warships, Adm. Isoroku Yamamoto was out to destroy the U.S. Pacific Fleet, capture Midway Island, and make amends for the embarrassment of Doolittle's raid. With the bulk of the Japanese fleet at his disposal and depending on complete tactical surprise, Yamamoto was confident of attaining his goals. Intelligence had broken the main Japanese code and knew of Japan's intended attack on Midway. Yamamoto would find that, unlike Pearl Harbor, the U.S. Navy was waiting for him, ready and able. Commanded by Adm. Chester W. Nimitz, the American force was positioned some 350 miles northeast of Midway and included the carriers Hornet, Enterprise and Yorktown. Less than a month earlier, the Yorktown had sustained extensive damage at the Battle of the Coral Sea. She was repaired in two days instead of an estimated 90, a remarkable feat that would prove to be a crucial factor in the upcoming American victory at Midway. The battle commenced on June 3, when U.S. torpedo planes left Midway and ineffectually engaged the approaching Japanese armada. The battle had just begun. Wave after wave of U.S. carrier-launched planes discharged their deadly arsenal upon the Japanese ships, often catching enemy planes, fueled and armed, on the decks. With his carriers, the Kaga, Akagi, Soryu and Hiryu, and scores of his planes at the bottom of the ocean, a defeated Yamamoto ran for home. Although the Yorktown was lost, the American victory was complete. Image Size: 13.25 x 22 in. Overall Size: 20 x 24.5 in. Unframed. (B13474)

Gordon Beningfield (British, 1936 - 1998) "Jack-in-the-Pulpit" Signed lower right. Original watercolor/gouache painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the First Day of Issue Proofcard for the U.S. 29c stamp Jack-in-the-Pulpit of the Wildflower of the 50 States issue of July 24, 1992. The unusual form and color patterns of Jack-in-the-pulpit aptly illustrate the wondrous diversity of plants. This woodland plant, which occurs throughout the eastern United States, blooms from April to June. The tiny flowers are found at the base of the club-shaped spadix, covered by a hood-like spathe. With a little imagination, the flower does indeed resemble a preacher in a pulpit. Because the male and female parts of the flowers occur on separate plants, the flowers must rely on insects, usually gnats and flies, for pollination. After fertilization, the fruit matures into a cluster of brilliant red berries. The root of Jack-in-the-pulpit is a fleshy turnip-like corm or bulb. Though it may look tempting to eat, however, the root has a high concentration of calcium oxalate crystals that cause an intense burning sensation in the mouth when eaten raw. Properly prepared, the root serves a variety of purposes. Image Size: 7 x 6 in. Overall Size: 12 x 11 in. Unframed. (B13479)

Sir Hugh Casson (United Kingdom, 1910 - 1999) "Hampton Court Palace" Original Watercolor painting on Paper. 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 Westminster Collector's Society Great Britian 15p Hampton Court stamp issued May 7, 1980. The vast, red brick palace known as Hampton Court elegantly sprawls along the banks of the Thames in London. An honor guard of carved lions defends the palace gate. King Henry VIII's coat of arms hangs at its entrance. And, legend claims that the ghosts of two of his wives still roam its many galleries. Hampton Court was built by Cardinal Wolsey as his private residence in 1514. Its splendor challenged every palace in England and helped establish Wolsey as a powerful official. Unfortunately, Henry VIII, jealous of Wolsey's elegant home, began to resent his political influence. In a vain attempt to regain the king's favor, Wolsey presented Hampton Court, complete with rich tapestries and hundreds of servants, to the king. Hampton Court was the greatest gift ever presented to the English monarch and the residence soon became Henry VIll's favorite castle. He rebuilt the chapel and added the Great Hall with its impressive hammerbeamed roof. To the elegance of Hampton Court Palace, King Henry VIII brought five of his six wives. His third wife, Jane Seymour died in childbirth there and Catherine Howard, his fifth queen, was executed for adultery. After King Henry VIII's death, no one disturbed the ghosts of Hampton Court Palace for over one hundred years. Then, in 1689, Christopher Wren built the eastern section of the palace for William IV. Today, the two additions blend together and Hampton Court Palace stands as a monument to some of the greatest memories in British history. Image Size: 12.5 x 14 in. Overall Size: 14 x 16 in. Unframed. (B06020)

Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "WWII - Bombing of Pearl Harbor" 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 for the U.S. 29c Pearl Harbor stamp issued September 3, 1991. The morning of December 7, 1941 was like so many in the tropics ... quiet, almost lazy -- a Sunday. But less than two hours after dawn, it became a Sunday like no other. Before many of the American servicemen stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, had risen, the harbor and surrounding fields were under enemy air attack. The surprise was universal. The Japanese launched over one hundred eighty airplanes in the first wave from a point two hundred thirty miles north of Oahu. Striking with deadly efficiency, the planes hit Wheeler, Hickam and Bellows fields and pounded into American battleships anchored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor. So shocking was this initial attack that only nine enemy planes were shot out of the once-serene tropical sky. The next wave came less than an hour later, pounding into crippled battleships and destroying grounded American aircraft. With one well-planned and flawlessly executed blow, the Japanese sent American naval power reeling. The carnage was incredible: 2,403 American men and women were killed; the battleships U.S.S. Arizona, U.S.S. West Virginia, U.S.S. California, U.S.S. Utah and U.S.S. Oklahoma were knocked out of action; and only one quarter of the American aircraft were undamaged. It was a day which spurred the industrial might of a nation into action and sent United States servicemen into the arena of World War II. Image Size: 16.5 x 12.25 in. Overall Size: 23 x 20 in. Unframed. (B13120)

Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Boy with Old Trains" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 29c Toy Train stamp issued October 22, 1992. Nothing quite compares to the aroma of a mother's kitchen on Christmas morning. The scents of roasting turkey, baking pies and steaming plum pudding not only invigorate one's appetite, but also stir memories of Christmases past. Feasting on special occasions is an age-old custom dating back to the ancient days of the hunter and gatherer. Primitive man ate when he could. After a successful hunt he gorged himself on meat ... and more meat. When berries were ripe, he ate berries ... and more berries. With the advent of agriculture, the harvest marked a time of plenty, and people ate heartily when the crops were in. Perhaps the most fabled holiday feast in humankind's history was served in England on Christmas Day in 1770, at Sir Henry Grey's. It consisted of one pie that measured 9 feet in circumference and weighed twelve stone -- 168 pounds. Inside, baked to perfection, were four geese, four wild ducks, two woodcocks, two turkeys, four partridges, seven blackbirds, six pigeons, two rabbits, two cow's tongues, two bushels of flour, 20 pounds of butter and various other items. This meal spawned the English colloquialism: "The Devil himself dare not appear in Cornwall during Christmas for fear of being baked in a pie." Image Size: 13.75 x 12.5 in. Overall Size: 23.25 x 19 in. Unframed. (B13936)

Chuck Ripper (American, B. 1929) "Lesotho Birds - Bird in Nest in Tree" Signed lower left. Original Gouache/Watercolor painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood Collector's Panel for the Lesotho Birds stamp issues. Located in southern Africa, Lesotho is a small country inundated with large, formidable mountains, some of which soar to over 11,000 feet above sea level. Two of South Africa's largest rivers, the eastward-flowing Tugela and the westward-flowing Orange River, originate in Lesotho. Verdant grasslands and subtropical mountain meadows furnish prime grazing lands for cattle and sheep. Wool and mohair are the country's primary agricultural product, and diamonds are its most crucial mineral resource. Lesotho's subtropical climate and lush mountain forests provide an ideal habitat for a host of exquisite bird species. Image Size: 19.5 x 16.25 in. Overall Size: 21.75 x 18.25 in. Unframed. (B13906)

Chuck Ripper (American, B. 1929) "Lesotho Birds - Bird in Flight Over" Signed lower left. Original Gouache/Watercolor on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood Collector's Panel for the Lesotho Birds stamp issues. Located in southern Africa, Lesotho is a small country inundated with large, formidable mountains, some of which soar to over 11,000 feet above sea level. Two of South Africa's largest rivers, the eastward-flowing Tugela and the westward-flowing Orange River, originate in Lesotho. Verdant grasslands and subtropical mountain meadows furnish prime grazing lands for cattle and sheep. Wool and mohair are the country's primary agricultural product, and diamonds are its most crucial mineral resource. Lesotho's subtropical climate and lush mountain forests provide an ideal habitat for a host of exquisite bird species. Image Size: 19.5 x 16.25 in. Overall Size: 21.75 x 18.25 in. Unframed. (B13907)

David K Stone (Oregon, 1922 - 2001) "Benjamin Franklin and Map of America 1783" 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 painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 20c Treaty of Paris stamp issued September 2, 1983. The American Revolution raged on for years as America fought desperately for her freedom and independence. However, the course of the war and the history of America was abruptly changed in 1783, when the famous Treaty of Paris was signed. This important treaty, which officially ended the American Revolution, was signed on September 3, 1783, by such key figures in American history as John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay. It was hailed as "one of the most important political events that ever happened on this globe" by John Adams. In addition, Benjamin Franklin called it "the greatest triumph in the history of American diplomacy." Aside from ending the Revolutionary War, the Treaty of Paris also set up a number of conditions regarding America's rights and boundaries. For example, the treaty established the boundaries of the United States at the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River and the northern border of Florida ... which the British ceded to Spain. It also recognized the right of Americans to fish off the Grand Banks of Newfoundland and to navigate the Mississippi River freely. This historic treaty -- between Great Britain on one side and the United States, France, Spain, and Holland on the other -- was of great magnitude to America. Image Size: 21 x 18.25 in. Overall Size: 27.25 x 23.75 in. Unframed. (B08117)

Adolf Schreyer (France, Germany, 1828 - 1899) Signed and dated (1862) lower right. Oil on Canvas. Painting of Wallachian horsemen in a winter landscape. Estate Stamp Verso. Housed in a exceptional gilt frame. Christian Adolf Schreyer is highly appreciated for his depictions of horse and battle scenes and achieved great successes with his Orientalist paintings. His works are now in the Metropolitan Museum in New York, the Musee de Luxembourg, the Kunsthalle in Hamburg and the Stadel Museum in Frankfurt. (tm) Sight Size: 15 x 28 in. Overall Size: 27 x 40 in. (J1057)

Coins, World, Elizabeth II (1952-), a collection of commemorative coins comprising 'Pitcairn Islands, 150th Anniversary of the Constitution, 1838-1998, $50 Silver Proof Commemorative Crown', 5oz Fine Silver coin, in capsule with certificate and case of issue, 'Falkland Islands, 1987, Silver Proof One Pound', in capsule with certificate and case of issue, an 'H.M.A.V. Bounty Collector's Set, 2 x 1oz Silver Coins & Pitcairn Islands $5 Stamp', in capsules with paperwork and case of issue, a 1992 'The Bounty' $5 Dollar silver coin and assorted base metal commemoratives (Qty)

Mantell, Gideon Algernon: A Pictorial Atlas of Fossil Remains, Consisting of Coloured Illustrations selected from Parkinson's "Organic Remains of a Former World" and Artis's "Antediluvian Phytology", With a Hand-coloured engraved frontispiece and 74 plates, mostly tinted. H G Bohn, 1850, first edition. 4to. PP: 207+Plates with tissue guards. Later half leather over marbled boards with gilt lettering to the spine. Leicester Museum bookplate and Leister Free Library blind stamp to top corners of all the plates. Provenance: Leicester Museum Reference Library (Most of their books only have their bookplate and no stamps)

Andre Derain (France, 1880 - 1954) oil on board painting of a nude woman. "Atelier Andre Derain" stamp verso. Signed lower right. Oil on Board. Sight Size: 10 x 7.25 in. Overall Framed Size: 16 x 14 in.

FOUR LLANELLY TRANSFER POTTERY PLATTERS comprising 'Milan', 'Sirius' (with merchant's stamp for F Primavesi, Cardiff), 'Colandine' and 'Whampoa' (4) Comments: please view in person to examine condition on all pottery lots, viewing by appointment at Cardiff salerooms

Jaques & Son London, a set of ivory "The Staunton" chessmen, the white king stamped to foot, one red and white knight and one red and white rook with crown stamp, housed in original box, the sliding lid with label, the king 7cm high, the pawns 3.5cm high

A selection of portable board games including cards dominoes and London 2012 stamp set

Artist: Howard E. Dils, Jr. (American, 1920 - 1988). Title: "Windmill, Arizona". Medium: Vintage gelatin silver print. Date: Composed 1975. Printed 1975. Dimensions: Image size: 13 13/16 x 11 in. (351 x 279 mm).Lot Note(s): Signature stamp, verso. Very good condition. Comment(s): Dils' work has sold at several auctions within the past 20 years. [26069-0-150]

Artist: Paul Klee (Swiss/German, 1879 - 1940). Title: "Signs in Yellow ["Signes en Jaune"]". Medium: Original color collotype. Date: Composed 1937. Printed 1946. Dimensions: Image size: 9 15/16 x 5 7/8 in. (252 x 149 mm).Lot Note(s): Signed in the image, upper left. Felix Paul Klee stamp, verso. Small edition. Thin cream wove paper. Printed to the edge of the sheet. Fine impression. Bright, fresh colors. Fine condition. Provenance: Acquired directly from Felix Paul Klee. Comment(s): This edition was authorized by Klee shortly before his death in 1940 but delayed by World War II until 1946. It was printed under the immediate supervision of Felix Paul Klee (1907-1990), Klee's son. [21520-1-300]

Artist: Paul Klee (Swiss/German, 1879 - 1940). Title: "Sailing City ["Segelnde Stadt"]". Medium: Original color lithograph. Date: Composed 1930. Printed 1949. Dimensions: Image size: 13 13/16 x 10 1/2 in. (351 x 267 mm).Lot Note(s): Felix Paul Klee stamp, verso. Small edition. Heavy cream wove paper. Printed to the edge of the sheet. Fine impression. Bright, fresh colors. Fine condition. Provenance: Acquired directly from Felix Paul Klee. Comment(s): This edition was authorized by Klee shortly before his death in 1940 but delayed by World War II until 1949. It was printed under the immediate supervision of Felix Paul Klee (1907-1990), Klee's son. Image copyright © Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. [23657-3-100]

Artist: Henri Matisse [imputee] (French, 1869 - 1954). Title: "Portrait de Marguerite". Medium: Ink and brush on paper. Date: Composed 1906. Drawn c1920. Dimensions: Overall size: 12 x 9 in. (305 x 229 mm).Lot Note(s): Signed in ink, lower right. Light cream laid paper. Very good condition; a few dimples in the sheet; scattered light ink stains verso, not visible recto; unidentified partial stamp, verso. Comment(s): Image copyright © Succession H. Matisse, Paris /Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. [30094-2-2400]

Artist: John Everard (English, 1900 - aft.1963). Title: "Nudes No. 02". Medium: Original vintage photoetching. Date: Composed 1941. Printed 1941. Dimensions: Image size: 11 1/8 x 9 1/8 in. (283 x 232 mm).Lot Note(s): Signature stamp, verso. Edition unknown, presumed small. High-grade archival paper. Printed to the edges of the sheet. Fine, quality printing. Fine condition. Comment(s): Photoetchings are similar to photogravures/relief etchings. Everard and his contemporaries used this technique as a medium for original expression, rather than as a method of reproduction. Image copyright © The Estate of John Everard. [24109-2-225]