Washington Irving
Dublin Core
Identifier
STA_00016
Scott Catalogue USA 859
Scott Catalogue USA 859
Title
Washington Irving
Creator
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Subject
Irving, Washington, 1783-1859 (LCSH)
Authors, American--19th century--Portraits (LCSH)
Commemorative postage stamps--United States (LCSH)
Authors on postage stamps (LCSH)
United States--History--19th century (LCSH)
Postage stamps--United States--History--20th century (LCSH)
Authors, American--19th century--Portraits (LCSH)
Commemorative postage stamps--United States (LCSH)
Authors on postage stamps (LCSH)
United States--History--19th century (LCSH)
Postage stamps--United States--History--20th century (LCSH)
Description
Scott Illustration Number: A318.
Color: Bright Blue Green.
The stamp, Scott Catalogue USA 859, features a portrait of renowned American author Washington Irving (1783-1859). Irving, best known for his short stories "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," was a prominent figure in early American literature. The stamp's design showcases Irving's profile in a classical, engraved style reminiscent of traditional portraiture. The bright blue green color scheme and the "UNITED STATES POSTAGE" inscription along the top edge clearly identify this as a U.S. postage stamp, while the “WASHINGTON IRVING, 5₵” denomination is printed at the bottom. The stamp is perforated along the edges, as was common for stamps of this era. Part of the “Famous Americans” series, which honored notable American figures from various fields, including authors, poets, educators, and scientists. This commemorative stamp serves as a tribute to Washington Irving's significant contributions to American literature and his enduring legacy.
Color: Bright Blue Green.
The stamp, Scott Catalogue USA 859, features a portrait of renowned American author Washington Irving (1783-1859). Irving, best known for his short stories "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," was a prominent figure in early American literature. The stamp's design showcases Irving's profile in a classical, engraved style reminiscent of traditional portraiture. The bright blue green color scheme and the "UNITED STATES POSTAGE" inscription along the top edge clearly identify this as a U.S. postage stamp, while the “WASHINGTON IRVING, 5₵” denomination is printed at the bottom. The stamp is perforated along the edges, as was common for stamps of this era. Part of the “Famous Americans” series, which honored notable American figures from various fields, including authors, poets, educators, and scientists. This commemorative stamp serves as a tribute to Washington Irving's significant contributions to American literature and his enduring legacy.
Publisher
United States Postal Service (USPS)
Rights
This stamp is in the public domain as it is a work of the United States Government, issued before 1978, in accordance with 17 U.S. Code § 105.
Type
Still Image
Language
English
Format
Materials: paper, ink, adhesive
Technique: recess printing (copper plate engraving)
Dimensions: 26 x 28 mm
Perforation: line 10.5 x 11
Watermark: no watermark
Technique: recess printing (copper plate engraving)
Dimensions: 26 x 28 mm
Perforation: line 10.5 x 11
Watermark: no watermark
Coverage
Stamp issued in Tarrytown, New York
Date Issued
1940-01-29
Citation
Bureau of Engraving and Printing , “Washington Irving,” Wayne State University - School of Information Sciences, accessed March 15, 2026, https://waynestateu.omeka.net/items/show/1873.