This 1965 Salvation Army First Day Cover features a block of four 5¢ United States stamps issued July 2, 1965, in New York, NY, to mark the organization's centennial. The Artmaster cachet displays two finely detailed medallions celebrating the Salvation Army's worldwide service, along with the familiar shield emblem and the inscription "A Century of Service to God and Man."
Founded in London in 1865 by William Booth, the Salvation Army grew into a major humanitarian movement providing food, shelter, and spiritual support during times of war, economic hardship, and social change. By 1965 its red shield had become recognized across the globe for disaster relief and community aid.
The cachet's dual-medallion design is a distinctive Artmaster touch, pairing a modern globe motif with a historic profile of uniformed Salvationists. The cover is addressed to collector Murray Ludmer of Wood-Ridge, New Jersey, a common practice that adds personal postal-history interest.
A clean, well-centered example with a crisp first-day cancel, this Artmaster FDC makes an attractive addition for collectors of religious, service-organization, or mid-century U.S. topical issues.
