Caption this stamp by telling us what the motorcycle messenger is saying

By John M. Hotchner

When special delivery service was introduced in 1885, letters might be delivered with daily mail or by a postal messenger on foot or on bicycle. Later, motorcycles were used as shown on the 1922 10¢ special delivery stamp (Scott E12).

This gave added emphasis to the unofficial postal motto “neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”

Today, Express Mail is usually delivered during hours that post offices are open, and by United States Postal Service staff in their red, white, and blue jeeps or trucks. 

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For the January cartoon caption contest, I’d like you to put yourself on the motorcycle and tell me how you would be feeling about the job at hand; or your observations on the passing scene, whether related to philately, politics, postal operations, or just riding a motorcycle for a living. (I can’t resist the joke: How do you know when you’re seeing a happy motorcyclist? From the bugs on his teeth!) 

There will be two prizes given: one for the best philatelic line, and one for the best nonphilatelic line. 

The important thing is to use your sense of humor, because entries with a humorous twist have the best chance of winning a prize. 

Put your entry (or entries) on a postcard if possible and send it to me, John Hotchner, Cartoon Contest, Box 1125, Falls Church, VA 22041-0125, or email it to jmhstamp@verizon.net. If you send an email, be sure to include your mailing address.

For each winner, the prize will be the book Linn’s Stamp Identifier, published by Linn’s (a retail value of $12.99), or a 13-week subscription to Linn’s (a new subscription or an extension).

To be considered for the prizes, entries must reach me no later than Jan. 27.

Why not enter now, while you’re thinking about it?