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U.S. Foreign Service Stamp Cover

Object numberMO 1997.15.128
Date1940
MediumPaper, Ink
Dimensionsoverall H 4 1/8 in x W 9 1/2 in (10.5 cm x 24.1 cm )

DescriptionA white stamp cover from the Foreign Service of the United States in Valletta, Malta. The envelope is addressed to (pre-printed): THE HONORABLE / THE SECRETARY OF STATE, / Washington, D. C. / United States of America. Typed to the left of the address: (Passport Division). The return address is in the upper left corner. Adhered in the upper right corner of the envelope is a Maltese 1938-1943 red 1½p Neolithic Ruins postage stamp (Scott 194). The envelope is postmarked Valletta, Malta, 1940.

A square section has been cut out from the flap on the reverse of the envelope where an American Consulate wax seal would have been applied. Also on the reverse, a black ink stamped message reads: FROM THE FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT COLLECTION / AUTHENTICATED BY H. R. HARMER INC., N. Y. The circled number "R202" is written in pencil in the lower right corner, and the number "DCW-4" 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 for the postage stamp 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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