PAUL TIBBETS Signed First Day Cover - Pilot Dropped Bomb on Hiroshima PSA HOLO

Title: Paul Tibbets Signed Commemorative Cover – Spitfire Theme with PSA Authentication (AP45819)

Description:
Commemorative cover signed by Brigadier General Paul Tibbets, pilot of the Enola Gay, the B-29 bomber that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. This cover features vibrant artwork of two Supermarine Spitfires in mid-flight, with the title THE SPITFIRE boldly printed below, referencing the famed British WWII fighter aircraft. Issued as part of the Shepherd Neame Master Brewers pub series (No. 37), this particular cover honors The Spitfire Pub in Kingsmill, Kent, and is postmarked Faversham, Kent – 12.08.03, the location of Britain’s oldest brewer.

It bears six distinct UK postage stamps—The Station, Black Swan, The Cross Keys, The Mayflower, The Barley Sheaf, and one 1st class stamp—each reflecting British heritage themes.

The cover is boldly signed in blue ink:
"Paul Tibbets, Pilot, B-29 Enola Gay, 6 Aug. 1945",

Positioned below the Shepherd Neame emblem, the signature is crisp and clear. The item is authenticated by PSA/DNA with certification number AP45819, and includes the corresponding PSA sticker affixed to the lower right.

Historical Context:
Paul W. Tibbets Jr. (1915–2007) is one of the most pivotal figures of World War II. As commander of the 509th Composite Group, he piloted the Enola Gay during the Hiroshima mission, marking the first use of atomic weapons in warfare—an event that significantly hastened the end of World War II and reshaped global geopolitics. His signature is especially significant for collectors of military and WWII memorabilia. Though the cover features a British aircraft (the Spitfire), Tibbets' addition bridges iconic Allied efforts across theaters of war.

Authentication & Encapsulation:

• Authenticated by PSA/DNA, one of the most respected names in autograph verification.

• Certification number: AP45819, affixed directly to the cover.

• Signature remains bold and unmarred, with excellent presentation alongside thematic artwork and stamps.

Closing Appeal:
This unique collectible brings together WWII aviation history, British philately, and a rare, authenticated signature of Paul Tibbets, an iconic figure in 20th-century military history. The blending of visual appeal, thematic commemoration, and historical gravitas makes this cover a highly desirable piece for collectors of wartime artifacts, autographs, and postal history.