1980 W.C. Fields First Day Cover

Key Points

• What the product is: United States 15-cent commemorative stamp (Scott #1803) affixed to a colorful First Day Cover envelope.
• Theme or topic: Performing Arts series – tribute to W.C. Fields, the legendary comedian, actor, juggler, and "comedy's most lovable villain."
• Issue date and place of postmark: January 29, 1980, postmarked in Beverly Hills, California (his adopted hometown in Hollywood's golden era).
• Historical or cultural relevance: Issued on what would have been W.C. Fields' 100th birthday (born January 29, 1880), celebrating his enduring impact on American comedy during the Great Depression and beyond.
• Estimated value or range: Typical market prices for similar unaddressed or cacheted W.C. Fields First Day Covers range from $2–$10 for standard examples, with hand-painted or specially illustrated versions higher; this artistic cover with original artwork adds premium appeal for collectors.

Product Overview: W.C. Fields Stamp Design and Overview

This 1980 W.C. Fields First Day Cover features a vibrant 15¢ stamp from the USPS Performing Arts series, depicting the bulbous-nosed comedian in his signature top hat and red bow tie, juggling balls with his classic exasperated expression. The cachet (envelope artwork) is a lively, hand-illustrated masterpiece signed by M.T. Crawford, showcasing multiple whimsical scenes: Fields in his oversized top hat holding a cane and cigar, performing with a pistol and violin, alongside vintage theater posters from his vaudeville days (like "FIVOLI" in South Africa) and smaller cameos of him with a police officer and in character roles. The design bursts with nostalgic Hollywood charm, colorful details, and Fields' unmistakable scowl and smirk.

US stamp collectors, comedy enthusiasts, and fans of classic cinema will love this piece for its blend of philatelic history and artistic flair—perfect for displaying or adding depth to a vintage US First Day Cover collection.

Historical Context

W.C. Fields (1880–1946) rose from vaudeville juggler to Hollywood stardom in the 1930s–1940s, starring in films like The Bank Dick, My Little Chickadee, and It's a Gift. His sharp wit, misanthropic humor, and hatred of small children and dogs brought laughter during America's toughest times—the Great Depression and World War II eras. This stamp was released in 1980 amid a wave of USPS tributes to entertainment legends, reflecting renewed interest in golden-age Hollywood. January 1980 also saw cultural shifts with events like the US boycotting the Moscow Olympics and the ongoing Iranian hostage crisis—making Fields' timeless escapism a fitting nostalgic escape.

Collectible Value

As a collectible US stamp from the popular Performing Arts series, this First Day Cover holds steady appeal in the philatelic market. While common in basic form (stamp alone often under $1), illustrated cacheted covers like this one—with detailed artwork by M.T. Crawford—are scarcer and more desirable. Values typically range $5–$15+ depending on condition and cachet quality, with strong demand among American comedy memorabilia collectors and vintage Hollywood philately fans.

Ideal for stamp collecting enthusiasts, cinema history buffs, or anyone building a US Performing Arts or comedian-themed collection.

Unexpected or Notable Detail

Look closely at the cachet: The artwork cleverly layers multiple Fields personas—from the juggler and billiards shark to the top-hatted rogue—while incorporating a vintage Vaudeville poster from his early international tours (including South Africa). The small cameo of Fields with a traffic cop nods to his film gags involving authority figures, and the overall palette uses warm oranges, reds, and browns to evoke the golden age of burlesque and early talkies. The postmark ties it perfectly to Beverly Hills—Fields' real-life residence—adding authentic Hollywood glamour often overlooked in simpler covers.

Meta Description (for Shopify): "Discover the 1980 W.C. Fields First Day Cover – a 15¢ US stamp tribute to the comedy legend. Vintage collectible! Shop rare First Day Covers now. #WCFields #StampCollecting"

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All Covers are shipped via 1st class stamped letter mail, be sure your shipping address is where you receive letters.