Description
A striking WWII patriotic cover with “GIVE! A PINT OF YOUR BLOOD MAY SAVE A LIFE – BLOOD + PLASMA” cachet showing medics treating a wounded soldier. Mailed Conneaut, Ohio, April 1945 and addressed “VIA AIR MAIL” to the 11th Fighter Squadron, APO 980 (Adak Island, Alaska). Franked with a pair of 3¢ Florida Centennial (Scott #927) paying the proper 6¢ WWII APO airmail concession rate. The reverse bears a violet return stamp for Carl T. Lemponen, 976 Broad St., Conneaut, Ohio-the cover is attributed to Lemponen (known WWII patriotic cachetmaker).
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Cachet: dramatic Blood + Plasma donation theme; not a common design (I could not locate another example of this exact artwork online)
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Stamps: two 3¢ Florida Centennial (#927), red-violet; both tied by Conneaut, OH April 1945 cancels
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Destination: APO 980 / Adak Island with unit line to the 11th Fighter Squadron (“Aleutian Tigers”)
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Rate: correct 6¢ WWII APO airmail concession; “VIA AIR MAIL” typed on face
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Back: bold Carl T. Lemponen address handstamp supporting the attribution
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Condition: clean and sound overall with typical light toning/handling from the era; faint flap/gum shadows on the back; nice eye appeal. 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.
#261
