American Bible Society : Cinderella Stamps

 

USA 1952 Gutenberg Bible

The Gutenberg Bible, also known as the 42-line Bible, the Mazarin Bible or the B42, was the earliest major book printed in Europe using mass-produced metal movable type. It marked the start of the "Gutenberg Revolution" and the age of printed books in the West. The book is valued and revered for its high aesthetic and artistic qualities and its historical significance.

The Gutenberg Bible is an edition of the Latin Vulgate printed in the 1450s by Johannes Gutenberg in Mainz, in present-day Germany. Out of either 158 or 180 copies that were originally printed, 49 survive in at least substantial portion, 21 of them in entirety. They are thought to be among the world's most valuable books, although no complete copy has been sold since 1978.

A commemorative stamp honoring the 500th anniversary of the printing of the Gutenberg Bible, the first book to be printed from movable type, was issued on September 30, 1952, in Washington, DC, in a ceremony at the Library of Congress. 

Johannes Gensfleisch zur Laden zum Gutenberg (d. 1468), engraver, printer, and inventor from Mainz, Germany, produced the Bible. His moveable type or printing press started a revolution in printing which eventually transformed the world by making the printed word available to the masses. A painting by Edward Laning (1906-1981) titled "Gutenberg showing a proof to the elector of Mainz" appears on the stamp's left side.

The picture on the left side of the stamp is based on a detail of a mural painted by Edward Lansing (1906-1981) in the New York Public Library. It shows Gutenberg presenting a proof of his Bible to the Archbishop, Duke Adolph Nassau, the Elector of Mainz. 

Victor S. McCloskey, Jr., designed the stamp, using a photograph of Laning's painting as a model. Arthur W. Dintaman engraved the vignette, and John S. Edmondson engraved the frame, numerals, and lettering. Six 200-subject electric-eye printing plates (#24687-24692) were used on the rotary Stickney Press. Plates were used in pairs on the press, so each rotation of the press produced two sheets of 200 stamps, each of which was divided into four fifty-subject panes for distribution to post offices. Stamps were perforated 11x10.5 and printed on unwatermarked paper.

The 3-cent Gutenberg Bible stamp paid the postage rate for a one ounce first-class domestic letter.

Israel-USA Joint Issue 2018 Hanukkah

 

Just 11 minutes after Israel declared its independence on May 14, 1948, American President Harry S. Truman recognized the new State. This action marked the beginning of a relationship based on common values and characterized by a deep friendship and mutual respect.

The special relationship between Israel and the United States is a key element in Israel’s political strength and power. This relationship also has strategic significance for the State of Israel.

In the early 1980’s, Israel was considered to be a strategic asset for the United States and was noted as such (1987) in legislation passed a year earlier as its main non-NATO ally.

The friendship between Israel and the United States is bolstered by the supportive American Jewish community and large portions of the American people.

 

Menorah

The Hanukkah festival marks the Maccabean victory over their enemies – the Hellenistic monarchy of the House of Seleucus, as well as the miracle that took place in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. It is customary to light candles on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, setting them near the entrance to the home in order to make the miracle known.

In the year 167 BCE the Hellenistic king Antiochus IV forbade the Jewish residents of Eretz Israel to study the Torah and to perform the Jewish mitzvahs. Mattathias the Hasmonean and his sons led the people’s revolt against the cruel regime, and after harsh battles successfully freed Jerusalem and the Temple.

The Babylonian Talmud (tractate Shabbat 21:2) describes how the Maccabees found only one small cruse of pure oil, enough to light the Temple menorah for just one day. But a miracle occurred and the oil lasted for eight days, until more pure oil could be prepared. In honor of that miracle, it was determined that the festival would last eight days.

For the Jewish people, the Hanukkah candles symbolize the victory of good over evil and of justice over injustice.

USA 2016 Star Trek 50th Anniversary

On Sept. 2, 2016, the United States Postal Service commemorated the television debut of Star Trek with a new series of Forever stamps.

The new postage pays tribute to a television program that inspired science and culture alike with four Forever Stamps inspired by the classic show.

The Star Trek Forever Stamps honor the many contributions the show has made to society over the last 50 years.

 
The silhouette of the USS Starship Enterprise is found on one of the new stamps.
On another stamp the outline of Spock's iconic hand gesture — the Vulcan salute — frames an image of the Enterprise in space.

A third stamp frames the Enterprise in an outline of the Starfleet insignia.

The fourth stamp captures the inspiring technology of the show with the silhouette of a crewman in a transporter.

USA 1999 Celebrate The Century 1960s

The Celebrate The Century: 1960s souvenir sheet was issued in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on September 17, 1999.

Designed by Carl Herrman of Laguna Niguel, California, and illustrated by Keith Birdsong of Muskogee, Oklahoma, the souvenir sheet features 1960s subjects from the following categories: People and Events, Arts and Entertainment, Lifestyles, Sports, and Science and Technology. The fifteen commemorative stamps in this sheet are titled "I Have a Dream"; Woodstock; Man Walks on the Moon; Green Bay Packers; Star Trek; The Peace Corps; The Vietnam War; Ford Mustang; Barbie Doll; The Integrated Circuit; Lasers; Super Bowl I; Roger Maris, 61 in '61; The Beatles; and Peace Symbol.