South African Raptors
Bophuthatswana, Arendsdale · 1998-08-16
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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This cover is postmarked on 16 August 1998 in Arendsdale, with a special "South African Raptors" cancellation featuring an owl motif. The five stamps depict the Pale Chanting Goshawk, Jackal Buzzard, Lanner Falcon, Bearded Vulture and Black Harrier, five birds of prey found across different regions of South Africa. The Bearded Vulture shown on this set is one of the rarest and most specialised of Southern Africa's raptors, feeding largely on bone marrow and known for dropping bones from height to crack them open, a behaviour that gave rise to its old Afrikaans name lammergeier.
Description of the Cachet
The cachet is a detailed illustration of a Martial Eagle perched on a bare branch, its plumage rendered in rich browns and rust tones with a mottled white and brown chest. The bird's head is small in proportion to its powerful body, with a sharp hooked bill and a fierce, direct gaze. Its wings are folded but clearly show the strong flight feathers, and pale talons grip the branch firmly beneath it. A soft, muted landscape of hills and greenery sits behind the bird, keeping the focus on the eagle itself. Below the illustration the words "South African Raptors" appear in a deep maroon serif type, underlined in the same colour.
Information Card
No info card was provided for this cover.
Theme: Wildlife
Condition: FineGood condition. Minor wear or small imperfections, but overall well-presented.
Addressed: No
Signed: No
SG reference: 1065-1069
SAPO serial number: 6.79
Estimated value: ~US$4.34
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.
