Ambulance

Front:
Ambulance 1860s Ambulance 1860s 8.3USA 8.3USA BULANC BEL LINC NO JUNRS 21 1985 89510 AMBULANCE

Back:
AMBULANCE First Day of Issue: June 21, 1985 First Issue Location: Reno, NV Ambulances have become a familiar sight in most coun- tries today. But the modern ambulance is a far cry from the earliest versions. The first ambulances were horse- drawn wagons that carried sick and wounded soldiers during times of war. Such vehicles were used by the Spaniards as far back as 1487 during the siege of Malaga. Over the years, the ambulances took on the appearance of private coaches with opaque glass windows, full height doors at the rear of the coach, and an axle which could be lowered and raised to allow walking patients easy access to the vehicle. Military versions of the ambu- lance were usually quite simple and consisted of a canvas covered wagon with seats that could be folded up to accommodate stretcher patients. In hot climates, the canvas sides could be rolled up, leaving wire mesh to keep flies out and allowing a free flow of air. As part of the continuing transportation series, the United States Postal Service issued the stamp featured on this Maximum Card depicting an 1860's ambulance. No. 85-40 ©1985 The Maximum Card Collection A Division of Unicover Corporation . Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007 Original painting by Dick Simms.