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Polish Stamp Cover

Object numberMO 1997.15.76
Date1939
MediumPaper, Ink
Dimensionsoverall H 4 1/2 in x W 6 3/8 in (11.4 cm x 16.2 cm )

DescriptionA white stamp cover from Poland addressed to (handwritten in ink): To / His Highness / The President / of the U.S.A. / White House, / Washington, / America. Adhered in the upper right of the envelope are two Polish 1936 black 50g Cloth Hall in Cracow postage stamps (Scott 301). The return address is handwritten in the upper left corner. The envelope is postmarked Lomza, Poland, January 23, 1939 and also has a black ink Lomza registration stamp.

On the reverse of the envelope is an additional Lomza postmark, and two postmarks for Washington, DC, February 3, 1939. A black ink stamped message reads: FROM THE FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT COLLECTION / AUTHENTICATED BY H. R. HARMER INC., N. Y. The circled number "R69" is written in pencil in the lower right corner, and the number "DCW-5" is written in pencil further up.
Label TextFranklin Roosevelt was an avid, lifelong stamp collector who gathered over 1.2 million stamps into his personal collection during the course of his life. He began collecting stamps at the age of eight at the suggestion of his mother, Sara Delano Roosevelt, who passed on her collection to him.

After FDR's death, his personal stamp collection, including this stamp cover, was sold at public auction in 1946 in accordance with his wishes.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated to the FDR Library by the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute in 1995.
Credit LineGift of the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PossiblyCopyrightCopyright or other proprietary rights of stamp(s) may be held by individuals or entities other than the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions.
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