This Art Craft First Day Cover features the 1967 U.S. Christmas stamp honoring Hans Memling’s “Madonna and Child with Angels” from the National Gallery of Art. The block of four 5¢ stamps is tied by a crisp November 6, 1967 Bethlehem, Georgia postmark—the official first-day city.
Issued during the height of the traditional religious Christmas stamp series, the issue celebrated fine art and the Nativity story at a time when the Post Office alternated between religious and secular holiday designs. The cachet reproduces the central panel of the Memling painting and adds a charming winter shepherd scene with the greeting “Season’s Greetings.”
A nice touch is the small “Art Craft” imprint and the 1967 year date integrated into the design, typical of this popular cachet maker’s output. The cover remains fresh with sharp corners and a clear, well-struck postmark.
A pleasing mid-century Christmas topical for both U.S. and worldwide collectors.
