Blue Train 6.53
South Africa, Pretoria · 1997-08-01
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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front
This cover is postmarked on 1August 1997 in Pretoria, with a special Blue Train commemorative postmark. The stamp depicts diesel locomotives in the Northern Transvaal and is marked for the airmail postcard rate. The Blue Train is a luxury passenger service that has run between Pretoria and Cape Town since the 1930s, and it remains one of South Africa's best known rail journeys, historically associated with steam and diesel traction before electrification took hold on much of the network.
Description of the Cachet
The cachet is a detailed pencil drawing of a baobab tree standing alone on the left side of the cover. The trunk is thick and gnarled, split into several rounded lobes that give the tree its distinctive swollen shape. Bare branches spread out widely at the top, each one rendered with fine, textured linework showing the rough bark and tapering twigs. No leaves are shown, giving the tree a stark, sculptural quality against the plain cream background. The shading is heaviest at the base of the trunk and lightens toward the tips of the branches, giving the drawing a real sense of depth and weight. 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: 991
SAPO serial number: 6.53
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.
