Updated March 2nd: Scott is not assigning new catalogue numbers to these two stamped envelope reprints, because the only difference between these new versions and the 2013 ones is the emblem on the back. That “is not sufficient for a separate minor listing.”
The previously-assigned numbers for the Bank Swallow envelope were:
U680 38x35mm small imprint (#6¾ envelopes)
U681 41x38mm large imprint (#9 & #10 envelopes)
The previously-assigned number for the Folk Art envelope was U682.
Bank Swallow and Folk Art Eagle envelopes reprints will be issued on January 12th, without a first-day event. The previous printer, Cascade Envelope, has been bought out by Rolland, so there is a new marking on the back of the new stocks, for the “Forestry Stewardship Counsel.” There are no changes to the indicia for these issues. The Bank Swallow envelope was previously issued March 1, 2013. The Folk Art Eagle envelope was first issued on August 9, 2013.According to the January 8th Postal Bulletin, these will be issued as both pressure-sensitive and water-soluble gum on the flaps, in three sizes, window and plain. That’s 12 varieties of each envelope.
Courtesy of a poster on another message board, Cascade Rolland is the paper supplier, not the printer. Cascade Rolland sold off their “fine paper” division to private equity and it will now operate as Rolland. Ashton-Potter was the printer.
Isn’t it great what one learns with stamp collecting.
There is more to this story if you are a stationary FDC collector. At Washington Press/ArtCraft the Folk Art Eagle set is sold out – all 12 varieties. As a perspective one must go back to 2001 for just a partial sell out: Federal Eagle (2 of 6) and Community Colleges (3 of 6.) After these all major issues are complete:
2002 Ribbon Star – 6 varieties
2006 Ben Franklin – 6 varieties
2007 Horses – 6 Varieties
2008 Elk – 18 varieties
2009 Liberty Bell – 14 varieties
2009 Seabiscuit – 18 varieties
2011 Liberty Bell – 12 varieties
2012 Purple Martin – 12 varieties
2013 Bank Swallow – 12 varieties
So. to have a complete sell out in such a short time is odd – odd on steroids.
Is that this year’s version or last year’s that is sold out.
The Aug 9 2013 issue (the only issue ArtCraft serviced with first day covers) is no longer available. All 12 varieties were listed on their 2013 price list, printed April 2014. My best guess is that by Sept last year they sold out. As ArtCraft is the only one doing US stationary FDC’s now and the reprint has no FDC cancellations – good luck finding these covers any time soon. Maybe an estate sale in the future!
http://store.usps.com/store/browse/productDetailSingleSku.jsp?categoryNavIds=stamp-collectors&categoryNav=false&navAction=push&navCount=0&productId=S_210098&categoryId=stamp-collectors
The ‘Sample Pack’ USPS # 210098 Both Embossed emblems, in window, PSA and WAG. $14.88 These ARE NOT cancelled, and can be used for mailing FOREVER.
More on the Sample Pack of 24 : $14.88 62c EACH (postage + 13c)
PSA AND WAG, With AND Without Window. #6, #9 and #10
http://store.usps.com/store/browse/productDetailSingleSku.jsp?categoryNavIds=stamp-collectors&categoryNav=false&navAction=push&navCount=1&productId=S_210017&categoryId=stamp-collectors
AND, if you want the Variety Pack with a 4-bar first day cancellation – $17.76
While there was no “first day event” for the Bank Swallow and Folk Art Eagle reprints, does not mean that one cannot get a “First Day of Issue” cancel (Washington DC.) That is exactly what ArtCraft has done. While no 2015 issues are in thier “Shopping Cart” database yet, I rec’d a flyer in the mail that lists these reprints as “serviced.”
The standard first day servicing rules apply. The first-day servicing address is on our website’s 2015 U.S. stamp program page, http://www.virtualstampclub.com/2015usnew.html