This 1972 First Day Cover features the 8¢ Tom Sawyer stamp issued as part of the American Folklore Series. It bears a crisp black circular postmark from Hannibal, Missouri dated October 13, 1972, the official first day of issue, along with a colorful Artmaster cachet depicting young Tom Sawyer carrying a fishing pole.
The stamp and cachet honor Mark Twain’s beloved character Tom Sawyer, drawn from Twain’s own boyhood experiences in Hannibal. The novel, published in 1876, captured quintessential American childhood adventures along the Mississippi River and remains one of the most widely read works of American literature.
A notable detail is the stamp’s central vignette showing Tom and his friends whitewashing the fence—an iconic scene from the book—while the cachet illustrates a barefoot Tom with fishing gear, reinforcing the carefree spirit of the story. Artmaster’s distinctive line drawing and typography add strong visual appeal for collectors.
A fine example for topical collectors of literature, American folklore, or Mark Twain commemoratives, this cover displays fresh color and a clear postmark, making it an attractive addition to any FDC or literary-themed collection.
