Description
Mailed Oct 26, 1944 from Elizabeth, New Jersey, this WWII patriotic cover salutes U.S. ace Capt. Don S. Gentile with a striking two-color cachet reading “HATS OFF TO – ACE PILOT” and “Record of 30 planes down.” Addressed to Mr. Joseph G. Spragg at Branch Hospital, Cincinnati 5, Ohio. A historically appealing piece from late 1944 when Gentile’s exploits were widely publicized.
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Stamps: 3¢ Thomas Jefferson “Prexie” (Scott 807) + 3¢ “Win the War” (Scott 905) = 6¢, correctly paying the 2-ounce first-class rate in 1944
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Postmark: Elizabeth, N.J., Oct 26, 1944, clear strike
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Cachet: portrait of Gentile with P-51s; bold red/blue design; I did not find this exact “Hats off to – Ace Pilot” wording in quick checks of common series-an uncommon variant for the theme
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Back: typed return address “Doris Van Riper, Elizabeth 3, N.J.” (sender; no cachet maker imprint observed)
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Condition: clean graphics; mild toning/handling, small smudge at lower right front, flap mark from old adhesive on reverse, tiny pencil inventory code; no major faults-please view all photos
Single cover ships via eBay Standard Envelope (tracked). If you purchase 2+ covers or request rigid packing, I’ll upgrade to USPS Ground Advantage (tracked) and combine shipping.
#396
