1948 Golden Anniversary of New York City .05 Cent (4 stamps)

This is a First Day of Issue envelope commemorating the 50th anniversary of the consolidation of Greater New York City, featuring a set of U.S. airmail postage stamps issued in 1948. The envelope is a collectible item for philatelists and history enthusiasts, celebrating the 1898 consolidation of the five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island) into a single city, with a nod to Andrew H. Green, known as the "Father of Consolidation."

**Product Description:**

- **Title:** 50th Anniversary of Greater New York City Consolidation First Day of Issue Envelope
- **Issue Date:** July 31, 1948
- **Location of Issue:** New York, New York (postmarked with the date and time: 9:00 AM, Jul 31, 1948)
- **Stamps Included:** 
  - Four 5-cent U.S. airmail stamps titled "Greater New York City 1898-1948 Golden Anniversary."
  - The stamps feature a design with an eagle and a shield, symbolizing the unity of the city, set against a background of the New York City skyline. The stamps are in a red color, with the text "U.S. Air Mail 5¢" printed on them.
- **Cachet (Design on Envelope):**
  - The left side of the envelope features a detailed black-and-white illustration that includes a portrait of Andrew H. Green, labeled as the "Father of Consolidation," in the top left corner.
  - Below the portrait, there is a circular design depicting the consolidation event, with figures representing the five boroughs joining hands, symbolizing unity.
  - The background includes a faint skyline of New York City, with iconic elements like skyscrapers and a bridge, highlighting the city's growth.
  - The text "GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 1898 1948 GREATER NEW YORK CITY" is prominently displayed in a decorative font, marking the occasion and timeline.
  - The text "First Day of Issue" is printed at the top left, indicating the envelope's collectible status.
  - A small logo, likely from the cachet designer (possibly ArtCraft, a common producer of such envelopes), is visible in the bottom left corner.
- **Postmark:** 
  - A circular postmark reads "New York, N.Y., Jul 31, 9:00 AM, 1948," marking the official first day of issue for these stamps.
- **Additional Markings:** 
  - The text "FIRST DAY OF ISSUE" is printed to the right of the stamps, reinforcing the envelope's significance as a philatelic item.
- **Condition:** The envelope appears to be in good condition, typical of a well-preserved collectible from the late 1940s, with some minor signs of aging such as slight discoloration around the edges (based on the image provided).

This First Day of Issue envelope is a piece of postal and historical significance, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the consolidation of Greater New York City in 1898, a pivotal moment that shaped the modern metropolis. It serves as a meaningful addition to any stamp collection, historical memorabilia, or a keepsake for those interested in the history of New York City and its development.