Anglo-Boer War: Angels of Mercy
South Africa, Kestell · 2001-08-23
Official first day cover (FDC) · South African philately
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This cover is postmarked on 23 August 2001 in Kestell, SAPO reference PT 7.15. It's part of a series marking the centenary of the Anglo-Boer/South African War, this particular issue honouring figures remembered as "Angels of Mercy". The two stamps depict Dominee J. D. Kestell, after whom the town itself is named, and Captain Thomas Crean VC, an army surgeon who continued treating wounded soldiers even after being shot multiple times, an act that earned him the Victoria Cross shown in the cachet.
Description of the Cachet
The cachet shows two medals photographed against a warm sepia background: a silver medal inscribed "Voortrouwe Dienst 1899-1902" hanging from a striped ribbon in blue, yellow, green and red, and beside it a bronze Victoria Cross with its dark crimson ribbon, bearing the words "For Valour" beneath a crown. Faint ghosted images of additional medals sit in the background, giving the design depth without pulling focus from the two main pieces. Underneath, the title "Anglo-Boer/South African War - Angels of Mercy" anchors the cover to its theme of wartime compassion and service.
Information Card
No info card supplied with this cover.
Theme: Military
Condition: FineGood condition. Minor wear or small imperfections, but overall well-presented.
Addressed: No
Signed: No
Stamp denomination: R4.4 (ZAR)
SAPO serial number: 7.21
Estimated value: ~US$1.55
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.
