Blue Train 6.51
South Africa, Worcester · 1997-08-01
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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This cover is postmarked on 1 October 1997 in Worcester, with a special Blue Train commemorative postmark. The stamp depicts double headed Class 6E1 electric locomotives in the Hex River Valley and is marked for the airmail postcard rate. The Hex River Valley, close to Worcester, is one of the steepest and most demanding sections of railway in South Africa, which is why locomotives are often run double headed to manage the gradient through the mountains.
Description of the Cachet
The cachet is a detailed pencil drawing of a Cape Dutch homestead standing on the left side of the cover. The house has the characteristic curved gables and thatch style roofline of the style, with whitewashed walls rendered in careful shading and dark shuttered windows set into the front. A row of columns supports a covered stoep running along the front of the house, and a bare, leafless tree stands just in front of the building, its branches spreading up and across part of the facade. The drawing has a quiet, still quality, with soft shadows falling across the ground in front of the house. 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: 988
SAPO serial number: 6.51
Estimated value: ~US$0.1
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.
