Author: WHITMAN, Bert (1908-90)
Title: Signed Postal Cover
Description: This California editorial cartoonist for the "Stockton Record" also created the short-lived comic strip "Debbie Dean," which was censored and ceased in 1944 for using the word "dope " in one installment. Signed Postal cover, 6½" X 3½", cancelled at Five Points, California on 22 January 1979. Fine. Single 10-cent "It All Depends on Zip Code" stamp and 6-cent "Cherokee Strip" stamp at upper right. An enterprising collector filled the entire leftmost 3/4ths of this cover with an actual daily editorial cartoon (4½" X 3½") titled "Things to Come?" and quite intentionally chose the place of cancellation ("Five Points" as in 5-digit postal code) and the 10-cent zip code stamp. Late in 1978 the post office announced the addition of four digits to the existing 5-digit zip codes. In this cartoon, a bald-headed man (Whitman himself?) holds up an envelope bearing a miniscule recipient's name/address and a HUGE two line zip code running from one end of the envelope to the other. The stamp on this envelope cost "$5," and the cancellation reads "U.S.A. 1999." In the small blank portion of the cover at lower right, Whitman signs boldly in black fineline. Whitman's prediction for the future of mail delivery didn't come true, of course. Highly unusual piece. Small portion of original transmittal envelope also present. .

Keywords: Art & Architecture


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