This First Day Cover features the 1976 Spirit of 76 13¢ commemorative stamp issued January 1, 1976, in Pasadena, California. The cover bears a handsome Art Craft cachet reproducing A.M. Willard’s famous painting and is postmarked with the official first-day cancel.
The stamp honors the American Revolution during the nation’s bicentennial year. Willard’s iconic image of the fifer, drummer, and wounded flag bearer became one of the most enduring symbols of American independence and fighting spirit in 1776.
A notable detail is the cachet’s black-and-white rendering of the painting contrasted with the colorful stamps, which were issued in a horizontal strip of three. The Pasadena cancel ties the issue to the California city chosen for the official first-day ceremony.
A fine addition to any Revolutionary War, bicentennial, or Art Craft collection, this cover remains in excellent condition with a crisp postmark and vibrant cachet artwork.
