FDC's

Do anyone still even collect these, I try not to get them but I still end up with them in collections.

Of course they do. Ask anyone who belongs to AFDCS. It is a niche focus, but some take it seriously.

Stick around and, from time to time, you'll read posts from folks self-servicing very creative FDCs which, for example, combine the current new issue with a number of older stamps related to the same subject.

While the "FDC mills" (large-scale cachet publishers) might be doing less business, there are a fair number of folks offering hand-painted / hand-drawn cachets. Two of my faves are ...

http://www.collinsfirstdaycovers.net/ ... Collins First Day Covers ... Fred Collins

http://www.anonemousecachets.com/ ... Anon E Mouse Cachets ... Cynthia Scott

... but I suspect that, were I to look at more artists, I'd have more faves.

Cheers,

/s/ ikeyPikey

AND add to that those who collect the classic FDCs of the 30's, 40's and 50's. We are a rabid bunch, keeping hundreds of ebay sellers alive and enjoying the art and history.

These days there a lot of servicers out there. As ikeyPikey said there are a few that are producing beautiful covers that pay attention to the historic significance of the stamp just as in the classic period.

Any covers you get in a collection will be gladly accepted. I'll pay the postage!

wc

Jim: When I purchase from the Stamp Fulfillment Center, via the Philatelic, I also purchase the offered FDC for the issue (also the Digital Color Postmark). I place the stamp with the FDC on a page (3-ring binder - 65# paper, sleeved). The FDCs provide a quick reference as to date & place of issue. I am currently searching the $ box at local shows to acquire early issues (which have cache). Although most FDC collectors appreciate the cache, I find that the posted fdc (from USPS) provides information at a reasonable expense.