Title:
Douglas MacArthur Signed George Washington Bicentennial First Day Cover, August 7, 1932, JSA Certified

Description:
Historic George Washington Bicentennial commemorative cover signed by General Douglas MacArthur, then serving as Chief of Staff of the United States Army. The envelope bears a striking “George Washington Bicentennial Commission” cachet honoring the 1789–1932 bicentennial celebration and references Washington signing the act creating the Northwest Territory at Federal Hall on August 7, 1789.

Postmarked “Federal Hall Sta., New York, N.Y., Aug 7, 1932, 9 AM,” the cover features both a 1-cent green George Washington stamp and a 2-cent red Washington stamp tied neatly by the cancellation. MacArthur’s signature appears prominently on the front in fountain pen ink, inscribed:

“Douglas MacArthur
General - Chief of Staff
U.S. Army”

The autograph is bold and highly displayable, with excellent contrast against the cream-colored envelope. The cover remains well-preserved overall, exhibiting only light age toning and expected handling wear consistent with an item of this era. The reverse retains a JSA authentication sticker corresponding to the accompanying full Letter of Authenticity.

Historical Context:
This signed commemorative cover dates to 1932, during Douglas MacArthur’s tenure as Chief of Staff of the United States Army, a position he held from 1930 to 1935. At the time, MacArthur was one of the most visible military figures in America and would soon become one of the most consequential military leaders of the twentieth century.

The cover itself commemorates the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth and references the Northwest Territory legislation signed by Washington in 1789 at Federal Hall in New York City, then serving as the nation’s first capital. The 1932 bicentennial celebrations were major national events intended to honor Washington’s foundational role in American history during the difficult years of the Great Depression.

MacArthur’s association with this patriotic commemorative item creates a compelling intersection of two towering American military figures separated by nearly a century and a half. Less than a decade later, MacArthur would achieve global prominence as Supreme Commander in the Pacific Theater during World War II, overseeing major campaigns against Imperial Japan and later helping administer postwar Japan. Signed military and patriotic commemorative covers from MacArthur’s pre-World War II period are especially desirable due to their historical significance and relative scarcity.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Accompanied by a full James Spence Authentication (JSA) Letter of Authenticity confirming the authenticity of Douglas MacArthur’s signature. JSA Certification Number: Z277635. The LOA identifies the item as a signed George Washington Bicentennial cover dated August 7, 1932, with the autograph executed in steel-tip fountain pen on the front of the envelope. A matching JSA authentication sticker is affixed to the reverse of the cover.

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This exceptional Douglas MacArthur signed George Washington Bicentennial cover combines presidential-era patriotic commemoration, early twentieth-century American military history, and one of the most legendary military autographs of the modern era. Featuring an impressive inscription as “Chief of Staff, U.S. Army,” period postal markings, and full JSA authentication, this piece represents an outstanding opportunity for collectors of military memorabilia, historical autographs, and Americana.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.