In stock · No. group 80
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1976 AMERICAN BICENTENNIAL GEORGE WASHINGTON PORTRAIT POSTCARD - VFW LADIES AUXILIARY COMMEMORATIVE - MINT UNUSED CONDITION
DESCRIPTIONThis exceptional vintage postcard captures the patriotic spirit of America's Bicentennial celebration of 1976. Published by the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars this beautifully preserved commemorative piece features the iconic Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington framed in ornate gold and flanked by historic American flags.
The design brilliantly bridges America's past and present showcasing both the historic Betsy Ross 13-star flag on the left and the modern American flag on the right. A majestic eagle with shield crowns the portrait while the dates '1776' and '1976' anchor the bottom corners marking 200 years of American independence.
The portrait's warm tones against the wood-grain background create a timeless distinguished presentation worthy of our first president. This carefully crafted design embodies the reverent patriotism and historical appreciation that defined the national Bicentennial celebration.
The back identifies this as the 'George Washington/Vaughan Portrait' by 'Gilbert Stuart. National Gallery of Art Washington D.C.' alongside the distinctive eagle logo with the banner 'SPIRIT OF OUR TIMES' and the red ornamental 'POSTAL CARD' header. The vertical text 'Ladies Auxiliary to the V.F.W. of the U.S.' confirms its connection to this respected veterans' organization.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCEThe American Bicentennial of 1976 represented a pivotal moment of national unity and historical reflection following the tumultuous years of Vietnam and Watergate. This nationwide celebration inspired countless commemorative items with the most meaningful ones - like this postcard - connecting contemporary Americans to their founding heritage.
George Washington stands as the essential figure in America's founding narrative - Commander of the Continental Army presider over the Constitutional Convention and first President who established crucial precedents for the republic. Gilbert Stuart's portrait featured here has become the definitive image of Washington familiar to every American from its adaptation on the one-dollar bill.
The Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars publisher of this postcard has a distinguished history of patriotic service dating back to 1914. Their choice to commemorate the Bicentennial with Washington's portrait reflects their ongoing commitment to honoring both America's founding ideals and those who have fought to preserve them.
The dual flags flanking Washington symbolize America's journey - from the original thirteen colonies represented by the Betsy Ross circular star pattern to the fifty states of the modern union.
This visual connection between past and present encapsulates the essence of the Bicentennial itself: honoring history while celebrating national continuity.CONDITIONThis postcard remains in exceptional mint unused condition remarkably well-preserved for a commemorative item approaching its 50th anniversary. The colors retain their original vibrancy with the reds blues and golds showing minimal fading or deterioration.
The chrome finish maintains its characteristic glossy appearance with no significant scratches or surface wear. Both the portrait details and the ornate decorative elements remain sharp and clear showcasing the quality printing techniques used for this special commemorative issue.
The card shows only the most minimal signs of age - slight yellowing/toning of the paper consistent with its vintage and minor edge wear. No creases bends tears or corner damage are present and the card has clearly been stored with care.
The back remains clean and unmarked with no writing postal markings or address information. The printed text and design elements on the reverse side maintain excellent clarity with the blue and red inks still vibrant against the cream background.
Finding Bicentennial ephemera in this pristine unused state becomes increasingly difficult with each passing year.AGE/ERAThis postcard dates specifically to 1976 as confirmed by the '1776-1976' dates prominently displayed on the front. America's Bicentennial year saw the largest celebration in the nation's history with special events taking place throughout the country and commemorative items produced in unprecedented quantities.
The chrome printing style paper stock and design aesthetics are all consistent with mid-1970s postcard production standards. The card represents the height of patriotic commemorative design during this significant national anniversary celebration.
Now approaching the half-century mark items from the Bicentennial have begun the transition from simply being 'old souvenirs' to genuine vintage collectibles. As we move toward the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026 interest in well-preserved Bicentennial items continues to grow among collectors of American historical memorabilia.
The distinctive design elements - including the wood-grain background and ornate gold framing - exemplify the aesthetics of 1970s commemorative design capturing both the reverence and optimism that characterized the Bicentennial celebration during a period of national healing and renewed patriotism.
RARITYWhile Bicentennial commemorative items were produced in large quantities during 1976 finding examples in this pristine unused condition becomes increasingly challenging with each passing year.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Bicentennial well-preserved artifacts from this national celebration grow scarcer in the collector market.The specific connection to the Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars makes this piece more specialized than generic Bicentennial postcards. Their limited distribution channels would have resulted in fewer examples compared to mass-market commercial postcards of the era.
Most Bicentennial souvenirs were used displayed or eventually discarded rather than carefully preserved. This example appears to have been stored in a collection since its production escaping the handling sun exposure and environmental damage that have affected many similar items.
As interest in American presidential collectibles and patriotic ephemera continues to grow pristine examples connecting our first president to significant national anniversaries become increasingly sought after by collectors.
Each year fewer museum-quality examples like this one remain available in the private collecting market.COLLECTOR'S NOTEThere is something uniquely satisfying about holding an authentic piece of American commemorative history in your hands. This postcard forms a tangible link to both our founding era through Washington's portrait and the national celebration of our Bicentennial - a once-in-a-lifetime event that many collectors remember personally.
For collectors of presidential memorabilia American patriotic items or Bicentennial ephemera this postcard offers exceptional visual appeal and historical significance. The combination of Washington's iconic portrait with the dual American flags creates a powerful patriotic statement that transcends its era.
In our increasingly digital world these authentic physical artifacts of American commemorative history become ever more evocative and meaningful. The texture of the chrome printing the vivid colors and the thoughtful design details cannot be replicated by digital images - this is a genuine artifact that has survived from a pivotal moment in our nation's celebratory history.
Whether your collection focuses on presidential portraits American flags Bicentennial memorabilia or Veterans organizations' collectibles this exceptional postcard bridges multiple collecting interests. Its remarkable preservation makes it suitable for even the most discriminating collection of American historical ephemera.
SHIPPING NOTEBuy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost! I'm happy to combine shipping on any number of postcards to save you money.
This vintage postcard will be carefully packaged in an archival sleeve between rigid cardboard to ensure it arrives safely and in the same condition shown in the photos. I understand the importance of protecting these historical items and take great care in packaging.
DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A PIECE OF AMERICAN BICENTENNIAL HISTORY!As we approach the 50th anniversary of America's Bicentennial celebration well-preserved commemorative items from 1976 become increasingly difficult to find in such exceptional condition. This pristine George Washington portrait postcard with its connection to both our first President and the Veterans of Foreign Wars represents a perfect storm of historical significance and patriotic appeal.
Secure this beautiful piece of American commemorative history for your collection before it disappears!"
_gsrx_vers_1715 (GS 9.9.2 (1715))
Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.
Gosla Antiques & Collectibles