This First Day Cover bears a block of four 13¢ U.S. stamps issued July 4, 1977, in Cincinnati, Ohio, honoring colonial craftsmen—the Seamstress, Blacksmith, Wheelwright, and Leatherworker—each inscribed “for INDEPENDENCE.” The colorful cachet by artist Charles Berger depicts a Continental soldier standing before a log fort, tying the military effort to the supporting trades.
Issued during the American Bicentennial, the stamps celebrate the everyday artisans whose skills in clothing, metalwork, wheel-making, and leather goods sustained the Revolutionary cause. Their quiet contributions were as vital as battlefield courage in securing American independence.
A notable detail is the integrated design: the cachet soldier faces the stamp block, visually linking “the craftsman’s skill and soldier’s courage” as stated in the caption below. The July 4 postmark and “FIRST DAY OF ISSUE” cancel are crisp and centered on the block.
Collectors will appreciate this clean, well-centered FDC for its strong Bicentennial theme, attractive multi-stamp format, and direct connection to the nation’s founding era.
