1955 Regular Postage, John Marshall .10 Cents

This is a First Day of Issue envelope commemorating the 40th anniversary of John Marshall's tenure as Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, featuring a U.S. postage stamp from the Regular Postage Series of 1954-56. The envelope is a collectible item for philatelists, honoring Marshall's significant contributions to American jurisprudence.

**Product Description:**

- **Title:** John Marshall 40th Anniversary First Day of Issue Envelope
- **Issue Date:** September 24, 1955
- **Location of Issue:** Richmond, Virginia (postmarked with the date and time: 9:00 AM, Sep 24, 1955)
- **Stamp Included:** 
  - A single 40-cent U.S. postage stamp from the Regular Postage Series of 1954-56.
  - The stamp features a portrait of John Marshall, depicted in traditional attire, with the text "U.S. Postage 40¢" and "John Marshall 1755-1835" printed on it. The stamp is in a deep red color.
- **Cachet (Design on Envelope):**
  - The left side of the envelope features a detailed black-and-white portrait of John Marshall, similar to the one on the stamp, set within a rectangular frame.
  - Below the portrait, there is an illustration of a scale of justice and an open book, symbolizing Marshall's role in shaping the U.S. legal system.
  - The text "JOHN MARSHALL, CHIEF JUSTICE - U.S. SUPREME COURT 1801-1835" is printed to the left of the illustration, providing historical context.
  - The phrase "40¢ 1755-1835 REGULAR POSTAGE SERIES OF 1954-56" is prominently displayed below, indicating the stamp's denomination, Marshall's lifespan, and the series it belongs to.
  - The text "First Day of Issue" is printed at the top left, within a decorative border, marking 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 "Richmond, VA, Sep 24, 9:00 AM, 1955," marking the official first day of issue for this stamp.
- **Additional Markings:** 
  - The text "FIRST DAY OF ISSUE" is printed to the right of the stamp, 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 mid-1950s, 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 history that honors John Marshall, one of the most influential Chief Justices in U.S. history, known for establishing key principles of American constitutional law. It serves as a meaningful addition to any stamp collection or a historical keepsake for those interested in American legal history or the legacy of the Supreme Court.