{"product_id":"1988-lincoln-ellsworth-antarctic-explorer-first-day-cover","title":"1988 Lincoln Ellsworth Antarctic Explorer First Day Cover","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis striking official ArtCraft First Day Cover honors Lincoln Ellsworth (1880–1951), the American polar explorer, aviator, and philanthropist who made significant contributions to Antarctic exploration, including the first trans-Antarctic flight in 1935 and the establishment of \"Little America\" bases. The 25¢ stamp (Scott #2388) features a portrait of Ellsworth in fur-lined parka against a teal background, with a small inset of his Lockheed Vega aircraft soaring over snowy peaks and the text \"Lincoln Ellsworth.\" The dramatic cachet artwork depicts Ellsworth in heavy winter gear using a sextant for navigation while standing amid Antarctic ice fields, with his plane visible on the horizon and a crew in the distance near a ship, all rendered in cool blues and whites to evoke the harsh polar environment; a circular map of Antarctica with \"Little America\" marked adds geographic context. Postmarked September 14, 1988 (issue date), in Washington, DC—with a crisp \"First Day of Issue\" cancellation (ZIP 20066)—this cover is highly appealing to polar exploration collectors, aviation history philatelists, Antarctic specialists, or those interested in early 20th-century adventure themes. It remains in excellent vintage unaddressed condition with sharp contrasts, rich icy tones, and no visible wear, ideal for display or thematic polar collections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maple Springs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51234002960548,"sku":null,"price":4.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0580\/4713\/5908\/files\/05102025_032.jpg?v=1770413079","url":"https:\/\/maplespringsllc.com\/products\/1988-lincoln-ellsworth-antarctic-explorer-first-day-cover","provider":"Maple Springs","version":"1.0","type":"link"}