First Day Issue Cover Appraisal

1939 Baseball Centennial First Day Issue Cover

This item is a vintage First Day of Issue (FDI) cover commemorating the Centennial of Baseball, dated 1939. The cover features a 'cachet' on the left side, depicting a baseball player in mid-swing with a large baseball design behind him, marked with the years '1839' and '1939'. Below the illustration, it reads 'INVENTED BY ABNER DOUBLEDAY COOPERSTOWN, N. Y.', attributing the invention of baseball to Doubleday, a commonly held belief at the time. A red horizontal stripe at the bottom of the cachet area adds a patriotic touch. The right side of the cover contains the address 'Miss. Johnette Bradley, 804 - North Olive Street, Wellington, Kansas.' The postage stamp, located in the upper right, is a purple-colored 3-cent United States Postage stamp depicting a baseball game in progress. A circular postmark from 'COOPERSTOWN, N.Y.' dated 'JUN 12 9-AM 1939' is clearly visible, marking the 'FIRST DAY OF ISSUE'. The bottom border of the envelope features the slogan 'AMERICA PREFERS BASE BALLS TO CANNON BALLS', reflecting the socio-political climate of the pre-World War II era. The envelope itself appears to be a light cream or off-white color, consistent with paper from that period. There is some minor discoloration or possible foxing evident, particularly in the upper left corner and along the edges, suggesting natural aging. The printing quality for both the cachet and the addresses appears sharp, indicative of standard commercial printing practices of the 1930s. The overall condition suggests a well-preserved piece for its age, though the precise degree of wear would require physical inspection.