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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Rio De Janeiro Ship Launching Commemorative Cover
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Rio De Janeiro Ship Launching Commemorative Cover

Artifact IDMO 1953.87
Issuing Body (American shipping company, 1913 - 1982)
Date1941
Mediumpaper, ink
Dimensionsoverall H 3 5/8 in x W 6 1/2 in (9.2 cm x 16.5 cm )

Physical Descriptiona) A stamp cover commemorating the 1941 launching of the U.S. C3 passenger-cargo liner ship, RIO DE JANEIRO. On the left side of the envelope is a printed color cachet consisting of an illustration of the bow of the ship, decorated with patriotic bunting and ribbons, in dry dock. Text above and below the image reads: “Launching / RIO DE JANEIRO / April 12, 1941 • Chester, Pa. / MOORE - McCORMACK LINES / 5 Broadway • New York, N. Y.”

The envelope is addressed to (typed): "The President of the United States / The White House / Washington, D. C." There is no return address. Adhered in the upper right corner of the envelope is a U.S. 1941 bright violet 3¢ Vermont Statehood Issue postage stamp (Scott 903). The envelope is postmarked Chester, Pennsylvania, April 12, 1941.


b) Enclosed in the envelope is a printed notice with information regarding the RIO DE JANEIRO, and the Moore-McCormack Lines program that built her and her sister ships.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated as a bequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view