1982 Barrymores Family First day cover

This Barrymores Family First Day Cover is a classic vintage US stamp collectible from 1982, celebrating one of America's most legendary theatrical dynasties.

Key Points

• What the product is: United States 20-cent commemorative stamp (Scott #2012) affixed to an official ArtCraft cacheted First Day Cover envelope.
• Theme or topic: Performing Arts series – tribute to The Barrymores, the renowned acting family known as "The Royal Family of Broadway," featuring Ethel, Lionel, and John Barrymore.
• Issue date and place of postmark: June 8, 1982, postmarked in New York, NY (the heart of Broadway and theatrical history).
• Historical or cultural relevance: Issued to honor the Barrymores' multi-generational contributions to stage and screen, symbolizing the golden age of American theater and early Hollywood; released during a time of renewed interest in classic performing arts heritage.
• Estimated value or range: Standard ArtCraft cacheted First Day Covers like this typically range from $1.50–$5 in the philatelic market, with excellent condition examples up to $10+; values remain modest but steady for vintage US First Day Covers in this series.

Product Overview: Barrymores Stamp Design and Overview

This 1982 Barrymores First Day Cover showcases a striking 20¢ stamp from the USPS Performing Arts series, depicting the three iconic siblings—Ethel, Lionel, and John Barrymore—in profile portraits within a blue-bordered frame, evoking timeless elegance and family legacy. The ArtCraft cachet features a classic black-and-white photographic collage: a central image of Ethel and Lionel together, John in a formal pose below, accented by vintage film reels, a camera crew filming actors, and subtle theatrical motifs that nod to their careers in silent films, talkies, and stage.

The design blends historical photography with artistic flair, creating a nostalgic tribute to Broadway and Hollywood royalty. US stamp collectors, theater enthusiasts, and fans of classic cinema will appreciate this piece for its elegant simplicity, historical accuracy, and connection to one of America's premier acting families—ideal for enhancing a Performing Arts or vintage Hollywood collection.

Historical Context

The Barrymores—Ethel (1879–1959), Lionel (1878–1954), and John (1882–1942)—dominated American theater and film from the late 19th to mid-20th century. Ethel was a acclaimed stage actress, Lionel won an Oscar for A Free Soul (1931) and appeared in It's a Wonderful Life, while John ("The Great Profile") starred in classics like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920) and Grand Hotel (1932). Known as "The Royal Family of Broadway," their legacy spanned vaudeville, silent era cinema, and the transition to sound films.

The stamp was issued in 1982, a year marked by cultural revivals including Broadway revivals and films like Annie and Tootsie, reflecting ongoing fascination with golden-age entertainment amid the early 1980s economic recovery and pop culture shifts.

Collectible Value

As part of the enduring US Performing Arts series, this Barrymores First Day Cover offers reliable appeal for philatelists. While the stamp alone (Scott #2012) is common and inexpensive (often under $1 mint), ArtCraft cacheted First Day Covers add collectible charm with their clean, classic designs—typically valued at $2–$8 depending on condition. Demand is solid among American theater memorabilia collectors, Hollywood golden age enthusiasts, and those specializing in family dynasty or stage/screen history themes.

Perfect for stamp collecting aficionados, Broadway historians, or anyone curating vintage US commemorative items.

Unexpected or Notable Detail

The cachet subtly incorporates a small scene of a film crew with a camera tripod and actors, symbolizing the Barrymores' pivotal role in bridging stage acting to motion pictures—John and Lionel were early stars in both mediums, while Ethel remained more theater-focused. The black-and-white photos contrast beautifully with the colorful stamp, evoking the era's transition from silent black-and-white films to vibrant Technicolor. Issued in New York City, the postmark ties directly to Broadway's epicenter, where the family earned their royal moniker, adding an authentic theatrical provenance often underappreciated in simpler covers.

Meta Description (for Shopify): "Discover the 1982 Barrymores First Day Cover – a 20¢ US stamp honoring the legendary acting family. Vintage collectible! Shop now. #Barrymores #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.