IRELAND, Scott #153-154 on unaddressed "Staehle" FDC, Issued July 19, 1954

Description

IRELAND
,
SCOTT #153-154 on UNADDRESSED ILLUSTRATED "STAEHLE" FIRST DAY COVER - Cardinal Newman
, Date of Issue: July 19, 1954.  The Hibernian Catalogue Value for a FDC without famous "Staehle" illustration is 20 Euros (.00).
FDCs with "Staehle" artwork are considered premium FDCs and command a premium price.  L. W. Staehle was born in Wurttemburg, Germany in 1893.  In 1913 he graduated from the College of Fine Arts and Architectural Design.  He was drafted by Hitler during World War I and a year later he was captured and held as a prisoner for 7 years before being released in 1922. He then came to the U.S. in 1927 and became one became a famous cachet designer.  He was known for many years as one of the 10 best cachet designers.  While most of his cachets were for U.S. covers, in 1939 he designed his first Irish cachet.  In total, he only designed cachets for 18 Irish FDCs and 20 Cachets for his famous Castles of Ireland series.
During the 1980's and early 1990's we operated the largest Irish stamp dealership in the western United States. Since then our entire inventory has been in storage. We have now decided to begin selling our extensive inventory and welcome you to follow our offerings on eBay. You won't be disappointed!