Blue Train 6.50
South Africa, Cape Town · 1997-08-01
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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This cover is postmarked on 1 October 1997 in Cape Town, with a special Blue Train commemorative postmark. The stamp depicts double headed Class 6E1 electric locomotives running between Cape Town and Beaufort West and is marked for the airmail postcard rate. Cape Town is the western terminus of the Blue Train route, with the full journey to Pretoria taking around 27 hours and passing through some of South Africa's most varied landscapes, from the Cape winelands to the open Karoo.
Description of the Cachet
The cachet is a detailed pencil drawing of Cape Town's Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, seen across still water with Table Mountain rising heavily shaded behind it. A row of historic harbour buildings lines the water's edge, their gabled rooftops and warehouse fronts rendered in fine, careful detail. Small boats sit moored along the quay, and their outlines repeat faintly in the water below as soft reflections. The mountain behind is drawn dark and dense, giving weight and depth to the lighter buildings in front of it. Below the illustration the words "Blue Train" appear in a wide spaced serif type, alongside the Blue Train's own logo.
Information Card
This cover was issued without an info card.
Theme: Transport
Condition: FineGood condition. Minor wear or small imperfections, but overall well-presented.
Addressed: No
Signed: No
SG reference: 987
SAPO serial number: 6.50
Estimated value: ~US$3.1
This is a high-level, subjective estimate only, not a professional appraisal.
This first day cover (FDC) is part of Southern Covers, a private collection of 209 first day covers documenting the postal history and philately of South Africa and the homeland states. New to first day cover collecting? Read the guide to learn about cachets, postmarks, and stamp collecting terms, or browse the whole collection of Southern African FDCs.
