US #2562
1991 Laurel and Hardy
- Honors 20th century American Comedians Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy
- Part of Comedians set
- Art by caricaturist Albert Hirschfeld
- Stamps contain secret marks
Category of Stamp: Commemorative
Set: Comedians
Value: 29¢, First Class Mail Rate
First Day of Issue: Augus... more
US #2562
1991 Laurel and Hardy
- Honors 20th century American Comedians Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy
- Part of Comedians set
- Art by caricaturist Albert Hirschfeld
- Stamps contain secret marks
Category of Stamp: Commemorative
Set: Comedians
Value: 29¢, First Class Mail Rate
First Day of Issue: August 29, 1991
First Day City: Hollywood, California
Quantity Issued: 139,995,600
Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Lithographed and Engraved
Format: 2 booklet panes of 10
Perforations: 11
Reason the stamp was issued: The set of five Comedians stamps was issued to pay tribute to some of America’s most famous comedians of the 20th century.
About the stamp design: Albert Hirschfeld is best known for his pencil drawing of Broadway plays that appeared in the New York Times newspaper for decades. His familiar style is evident in these stamps picturing some of America’s greatest comedians. The stamps feature Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy; Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy; Jack Benny; Fanny Brice; and Bud Abbott and Lou Costello.
Special design details: Postal rules and regulations fell by the wayside for these booklet stamps. Not only is the designer’s name, famous caricaturist Albert Hirschfeld, prominently displayed on the cover of the booklet, but the rule against secret marks in stamp artwork was waived for him, as well. He was allowed to continue his practice of incorporating his daughter’s name, “Nina,” somewhere in each of his drawings.
About the printing process: Hirschfeld’s drawings were reproduced by photo-offset lithography. The “USA29” was produced using intaglio engraving.
First Day City: The First Day of Issue ceremony was held Mann’s Chinese Theatre, home of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in Hollywood, California. Members of the comedians’ families made brief speeches during the ceremony.
About the Comedians set: During the unveiling of these stamps, Postmaster General Anthony Frank said, “These comedians have made immeasurable contributions to American culture and, through the magic of radio and film, have brought laughter and joy to millions of people throughout the world.” These stars of Vaudeville, Broadway, radio, and Hollywood were some of the nation’s brightest comedy stars of the 20th century.
History the Stamp Represents:
The team of Laurel and Hardy was made up of Englishman Stan Laurel (1890-1965) and American Oliver Hardy (1892-1957). They began their career in silent films, and their slapstick comedy style later transitioned to films with sound. During their careers, they appeared together in more than 100 films. They also performed in stage shows in the US and Europe.
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