Blue Train 6.52
South Africa, Beaufort West · 1997-08-01
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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This cover is postmarked on 1 October 1997 in Beaufort West, with a special Blue Train commemorative postmark. The stamp depicts steam powered locomotives running between Three Sisters and Hutchinson and is marked for the airmail postcard rate. The Three Sisters are a well known landmark along the Karoo rail route, and the small settlement that takes its name from them was historically an important stop for steam locomotives needing to take on water during the long crossing of the Karoo.
Description of the Cachet
The cachet is a detailed pencil drawing of the Three Sisters, a group of flat topped hills rising from the Karoo landscape. The largest hill sits at the centre, its rock face rendered with heavy, textured shading that lightens toward the base where scrubby vegetation and scattered trees fade into the foreground. Two smaller hills flank it on either side, drawn with a softer, hazier touch as if seen at a distance through Karoo dust. The composition captures the flat, dry openness of the region, with the hills standing as the only real interruption on the horizon. 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: 989
SAPO serial number: 6.52
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.
