
1958 200th Anniversary of Gunston Hall, Home of George Mason .03 Cents, 4 stamps
This is a First Day of Issue envelope commemorating the 200th anniversary of Gunston Hall, the historic home of George Mason, featuring a set of U.S. postage stamps issued in 1958. The envelope is a collectible item for philatelists, honoring George Mason, a key figure in American history known for his contributions to the U.S. Constitution and the Virginia Declaration of Rights.
**Product Description:**
- **Title:** 200th Anniversary of Gunston Hall First Day of Issue Envelope
- **Issue Date:** June 12, 1958
- **Location of Issue:** Lorton, Virginia (postmarked with the date and time: 9:00 AM, Jun 12, 1958)
- **Stamps Included:**
- Four 3-cent U.S. postage stamps titled "1758-1958 Gunston Hall, Home of George Mason."
- The stamps feature an illustration of Gunston Hall, a Georgian-style mansion, with the text "U.S. Postage 3¢" printed on them. The design is in a blue-gray color.
- **Cachet (Design on Envelope):**
- The left side of the envelope features a detailed black-and-white illustration of Gunston Hall, showing the mansion with its distinctive brick architecture, chimneys, and surrounding trees.
- Below the illustration, there is a circular portrait of George Mason, depicted in period attire, framed by a decorative border.
- The text "200th ANNIVERSARY OF GUNSTON HALL, Home of GEORGE MASON" is prominently displayed, highlighting the occasion.
- The text "First Day of Issue" is printed at the top and bottom left, indicating the envelope's collectible status.
- A small signature or logo, likely from the cachet designer (possibly ArtCraft, a common producer of such envelopes), is visible near the portrait of George Mason.
- **Postmark:**
- A circular postmark reads "Lorton, VA, Jun 12, 9:00 AM, 1958," 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 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 celebrates the 200th anniversary of Gunston Hall, the home of George Mason, a Founding Father who played a crucial role in shaping American governance. It serves as a meaningful addition to any stamp collection or a historical keepsake for those interested in American history, colonial architecture, or the legacy of the Founding Fathers.