Christmas Seal Lot Appraisal

25 Years of Christmas Seals (1937–1961) Collection with Certificate of Authenticity

This collection consists of 42 vintage Christmas Seals, also known as TB seals, spanning a twenty-five-year period from 1937 to 1961. The set is accompanied by a formal Certificate of Authenticity printed on white cardstock with a blue decorative border, signed by Director Nicholas J. Bruyer. The seals themselves display a variety of mid-century graphic design styles, featuring festive motifs such as Santa Claus, children, Christmas trees, and the iconic red double-barred cross associated with the American Lung Association (formerly National Tuberculosis Association). The seals vary in physical format, including single loose stamps, horizontal strips, and small blocks. They exhibit typical features of the period, such as perforated edges and gummed backs. One block specifically shows 'Greetings 1954' with a vibrant red and green illustration of children. The color palettes across the items are diverse, ranging from the muted tones of the late 1930s to the saturated lithographic colors of the late 50s. Condition appears to be generally Good to Very Good for ephemera of this age; while some items show slight curling and minor perforation wear typical of handled paper, there are no immediate signs of heavy staining or significant tears. The collection represents both a philanthropic history and a retrospective of mid-20th-century commercial illustration.