Patriotic American poster stamp
Extent and Medium
overall: Height: 1.000 inches (2.54 cm) | Width: 1.250 inches (3.175 cm)
Archival History
The poster stamp was donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2018 by Forrest J. Robinson, Jr.
Acquisition
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection, Gift of Forrest James Robinson, Jr.
Scope and Content
Patriotic poster stamp featuring a red, white, and blue shield. Poster stamps were collectable stamps, slightly larger than postage stamps, with designs similar to posters. Although they were not valid for postage, poster stamps could be affixed to letters and envelopes as a means for fundraising, propaganda, and educational purposes. The shield on the stamp appears to be modeled after the shield on the Great Seal of the United States, though there are some key differences. The shield consists of seven red and six white vertical stripes, representing the original thirteen states. This appears to be inverted, the Seal’s shield has seven white and six red stripes. The stripes support the upper, blue section of the shield, which represents the federal government that unites the states as it unites the stripes. The Seal’s shield typically does not hold stars, although certain derivatives do.
Conditions Governing Access
No restrictions on access
Conditions Governing Reproduction
No restrictions on use
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Square poster stamp on off-white paper with a graphic design and adhesive backing. The stamp has a central shield with white stars on a navy blue field on the upper portion, and red-and-white vertical stripes on the lower portion. A line of navy blue text encircles the shield.
Subjects
- Shields--Symbolism--United States.
- Patriotism--United States--Posters.
- Poster Stamps.
- Escutcheons (Heraldry)--Symbolism--United States.
- United States.
Genre
- Posters
- Object
- Stamps.