This is an official Art Craft cacheted First Day Cover for the 1964 American Music commemorative stamp, postmarked in New York, NY on October 15, 1964. The 5¢ stamp honors the 50th anniversary of ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers), founded in 1914.
The cover features portraits of ASCAP's founding members including Victor Herbert, Raymond Hubbell, Louis A. Hirsch, Silvio Hein, George Maxwell, Glen MacDonough, Jay Witmark, Nathan Burkan, and Gustave Kerker. The design celebrates the organization's role in protecting the rights of music creators during the early 20th century.
A notable detail is the "Official ASCAP First Day Cover" inscription and the Art Craft cachet logo, making this a specially produced philatelic item rather than a generic cover. The addressee, Mrs. Lois P. Irwin of Hollywood, California, reflects the common practice of collectors using FDCs for correspondence in the 1960s.
A fine addition for collectors of music-themed stamps, ASCAP history, or Art Craft cachets, with clear postmark and attractive multi-portrait design.
