Description
Powerful WWII patriotic cover postmarked Des Moines, Iowa, Mar 29, 1945 with the machine slogan cancel “GIVE + RED CROSS WAR FUND.” Striking black cartoon cachet “AXE THE AXIS.” Reverse shows the maker’s imprint “WILLIAM A. TEMPLE, 5136 INGERSOLL, DES MOINES, IOWA” with “No. 20 = Temple,” confirming this as a numbered Temple issue. Franked with the 3¢ “Win the War” (Scott #905)-the iconic purple V-for-Victory stamp issued in 1942.
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Authentic WWII use to Navy medical staff: Naval Hospital (Staff), San Diego 34, Calif.
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Cachet maker: William A. Temple (Des Moines), numbered No. 20 on flap
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Slogan cancel: “Give Red Cross War Fund” ties the stamp, perfect wartime tie-in
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Stamp: 3¢ Win the War (Scott 905), a classic home-front patriotic pairing
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Postmark: Des Moines, Mar 29, 1945-late-war date as the European theater neared conclusion
Condition notes: Clean, crisp example with bold cachet and legible slogan cancel; light age toning/handling consistent with 1940s postal use; imprint on reverse is clear. Please view all the 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.
#503
