Dick Simms (American, B. 1932) "Early Ambulance" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 8.3c Ambulance stamp issued June 21, 1985. Ambulances have become a familiar sight in most countries 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 ambulance 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. Image Size: 12.25 x 16.75 in. Overall Size: 14.75 x 19.75 in. Unframed. (B09661) See More