Main Street Fine Books & Mss Archives - Rare Book Insider

Main Street Fine Books & Mss

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Inscribed and Signed Business Card / First Day Cover

(JOHN DEERE). BOND, William H. (?-?) This painter served as graphic artist for The National Graphic Society for 36 years and his work appears in a great many of their books, magazines and other publications; his work appears on an extraordinary 58 United States postage stamps, including fifty stamps commemorating World War Two. On his heavy stock 3½" X 2" business card (showing "Geographic Art Division / The National Geographic Society / Washington, D.C. 20036" as address at lower left), he boldly inscribed and signs "To Paul Johnston / My best wishes / Bill Bond" in black fineline along top. Fine. Accompanied by a First Day Cover for the 1987 14-cent "Self-scouring steel plow, 1837" postal card designed by Bond, 5½" X 3½", cancelled in Moline, Illinois on 22 May 1987 and with "First Day of Issue" noted. Typed recipient name/address and at left a small graphic and John Deere quotation. This FDC is housed in a 6" X 4¼" leather folder with "1837-1987 / 150 / John Deere" giltstamped on front cover. Opening it, the FDC appears at right, under clear mylar cover, while at left is a reproduction on cloth of an artist's rending titled "Blacksmith Shop, Grand Detour, Illinois" showing farmers testing a self-scouring steel plow in front of a workshop with signage reading "JOHN DEERE PROP." A superb sesquicentennial keepsake in pristine condition, accompanied by small printed presentation slip from the Deere & Company chairman. Quite unusual.
  • $75