Many collectors looked forward to the debut of the Bob Hope stamp on May 29, 2009.
Not only stamp collectors, but also fans of comedy in general and Bob Hope in particular anticipated the stamp’s release.
The history of the Bob Hope stamp release and the first day cancellation caricatures is an interesting one that bears repeating.
The best first day cancellations do what is fairly difficult to accomplish when designing a postmark – capture the essence and personality of the subject in a way that attracts and interests collectors, but make it so that it can be reproduced in a small enough size and simple lines that are needed for a cancellation.
Many wondered if it would be possible to capture the larger-than-life personality of an American icon like Bob Hope in such a cancellation.
The research team studied reams of material in developing the Bob Hope stamp cancellation. In the process of this research, the team came upon drawings of Hope by a popular artist, Al Hirschfeld.
The team thought the drawings captured Hope and his personality well, but discarded them because they assumed the legal issues including copyright would prohibit their use. They put the drawings aside for a time, and moved on with researching other possibilities.
However, once a member of the team decided to give it a try, they found success. In short order, all obstacles were removed, and the caricatures were incorporated into the cancellations.
Stamp collectors and Bob Hope lovers alike are delighted not only with the Bob Hope stamp, but also the cancellations which, in this case, an important completion to the image on the stamp itself.
The drawings add the touch of whimsy and delight to the stately portrait of a smiling but subdued Hope. In the combination, you see not only Hope the ambassador of good will and humor, but Hope the cutup on the Road to Morocco or wherever else he was traveling that day.
On Friday, May 29, 2009 the stamp was officially launched. The date was chosen because it would have been Hope’s 106th birthday. He died at the age of 100 in 2003. His wife, Delores, celebrated her 100th birthday the Wednesday before the ceremony, but she was not able to travel to the release ceremony.
The Bob Hope stamp first day ceremonies were held on board the USS Midway in San Diego. Hope was well known for his charitable performances for the troops in cars since WWII. He’s the first citizen to receive a Congressional recognition as an honorary U.S. Armed Services veteran, event though he never officially served in any branch of the military.
He performed twice on the USS Midway during his military visits.
Collectors can purchase the first day issue of the stamp through July 29. The stamps can be purchased at their local post office, the Post Office web site (www.usps.com) or over the phone at 1-800-STAMP-24.
The stamps should be placed on envelopes addressed to the collector or others, placed in a large manilla envelope, then mailed to
Bob Hope Stamp
Postmaster
PO Box 85530
San Diego, CA 92186-5530
The envelopes will be postmarked with the first day postmark and mailed to the recipients with no additional charge.
Photo Credits: dbking
Originally posted 2009-06-02 10:46:11. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
1909 Lincoln Stamp Set Stamps -> United States -> Collections, Lots The 1909 Lincoln stamp set represents the first time the United States Post Office had issued stamps that didn't promote or commemorate a current event. The public complained about the change in stamps in 1908 to Washing and Franklin stamps, because Lincoln had...... -
India Stamps stamps -> Stamps -> Asia India stamps were first used in 1852, and were known as the Scinde Dawk stamps, during the country's postal system reform. This came after centuries of messages being carried in India on foot by runners who followed paths, and about a year of horses...... - Valuable Stamps Stamps -> Worldwide -> Postal History If you are interested in stamp collecting as more than just a hobby, it is important to focus on finding valuable stamps. These are the ones that will enhance your personal collection and provide you with a solid investment that you can count on.......
- Stamp Collector Stamps -> Worldwide -> Collections, Lots Few types of collectors get more excited and enthusiastic about a new acquisition than a stamp collector. Stamp collecting is one of the most popular hobbies in the world, enjoyed by young children, the elderly, and every age in between. Over 20 million people......
-
Swiss Soldier Stamps Stamps -> Europe -> Switzerland Some people, even those who have been collecting stamps for years, may never have heard of Swiss soldier stamps. That’s because these stamps weren’t actually postage stamps for use at large, they were created for the Swiss soldiers who were activated to full duty to......
Related Websites -
John Wayne Memorabilia Collection If you are a fan of John Wayne, and looking to start a John Wayne memorabilia collection, keep reading. John Wayne memorabilia collections have always been a popular subject, but ever since his 100th birthday was celebrated on May 26 of 2007, the concept of beginning a John Wayne memorabilia...... -
Joe DiMaggio Sports Memorabilia Even today's modern kids who might not even watch baseball or be able to name one single player have heard the name Joe DiMaggio. His name is synonymous with baseball and sports, as he was part of the game during its glory days, when it seemed every...... -
My Son The Artist Amazingly my son can draw and I mean constantly, he produces so many drawings that we can't simply save them all without cluttering the entire house, yet he gets so hurt if we disregard or toss his drawings in the trash. So I try to scan the best of his...... - Scavenger Debt Collectors What is a “Scavenger Debt Collector?” A scavenger debt collector is a debt collecting agency who purchases very old debt for pennies on the dollar and then tries to collect the entire balance of the original debt. They will use many tactics in trying to lure you into admitting that......
- Pez Candy Dispenser Collection Guides Here we have the main guides to PEZ dispensers. Having some history and some references on hand is definitely a good idea when shopping online for PEZ related goods. Or perhaps you have already got a sizeable PEX dispenser collection and now you are trying to figure out what all......
