1961 50th Anniversary of Workmen’s Compensation Law First Day Cover | Milwaukee, Wisconsin
This socially significant 1961 United States First Day Cover commemorates the 50th anniversary of the first workmen’s compensation law in the United States. Featuring a touching Art Craft cachet with a family scene and the official 4¢ stamp, it is a meaningful collectible for labor history, social reform, and 1961 anniversary enthusiasts.
🧾 Key Points:
- Country: United States of America
- Date of Issue: September 4, 1961
- City of Cancellation: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Stamp Value: 4¢
- Theme: 50th Anniversary of the First Workmen’s Compensation Law | 1911–1961
- Historical or Cultural Relevance: Honors the pioneering 1911 Wisconsin law that established the first workmen’s compensation system in the U.S., providing protection for injured workers and marking a major milestone in American labor and social welfare reform
- Estimated Market Value: $5–$14 USD, depending on condition and demand
🖼️ Product Overview:
The 1961 Workmen’s Compensation 50th Anniversary First Day Cover displays a sensitive Art Craft cachet showing an injured worker with his family, symbolizing support and recovery. The matching 4¢ blue stamp features scales of justice with industrial symbols, paired with the Milwaukee first day postmark and a special “Forward” shield pictorial cancel.
Design Elements:
- Touching family scene cachet of an injured worker with his wife and child
- Official 4¢ “Workmen’s Compensation Law” stamp with scales and industrial motifs
- Circular Milwaukee, Wis. postmark dated Sep 4, 9 A.M., 1961
- Special pictorial cancel with “Forward” shield and labor symbols
- Art Craft cachet imprint
Appeal to Collectors: Ideal for collectors of labor history, social welfare reform, workers’ rights topical stamps, or Art Craft First Day Covers from 1961.
📚 Historical Context:
Issued on September 4, 1961, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this First Day Cover marks the 50th anniversary of the 1911 Wisconsin law that created the first workmen’s compensation system in the United States. The legislation provided injured workers with medical care and wage replacement, setting a national precedent for workplace safety and social insurance.
💎 Collectible Value:
Typical Market Value or Rarity: Art Craft covers from this 1961 social reform issue are popular among labor and welfare topical collectors. Clean examples typically sell in the $5–$14 range.
Who Would Be Interested:
- Collectors of labor history and workers’ rights philately
- Enthusiasts of social welfare and insurance reform themes
- Fans of 1961 anniversary commemoratives
- General First Day Cover collectors focusing on societal topics
✨ Unexpected or Notable Details:
The cachet’s warm family scene humanizes the impact of workmen’s compensation, showing care for the injured worker rather than just legal symbols. The stamp’s scales of justice combined with industrial icons balance fairness and industry. Issued in Wisconsin, the birthplace of the law, the cover carries strong geographic authenticity.
Add this rare 50th Anniversary of Workmen’s Compensation Law First Day Cover to your collection today!