Patriotic American poster stamp with fife and drum corps

Poster stamp featuring an image of an American colonial fife and drum corps. The stamp is from the “This is America” series of poster stamps, which was distributed in the 1930s and 1940s. 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 “This is America” series of poster stamps was a collection of 99 stamps that each feature a unique illustration. These images depict historical figures, institutions, holidays, past times, landmarks, and events that celebrate the history and heritage of the United States. Fife and drum corps are strongly associated with the American Revolution. During the American Revolution, fife and drum corps were used by both the British and American armies. They utilized field music to communicate orders and signals to units out of vocal range, both on and off the battlefield. The corps was usually comprised of young boys between the ages of 10 and 18. After the American Civil War, usage of fife and drum corps declined as the use of the bugle became more common. However, musicians returning home from their service and civilian enthusiasts formed local fife and drum corps, continuing the tradition.