Description: This vertical rectangular definitive stamp features a finely detailed line engraving of Boston's historic Christ Church steeple, widely known as the Old North Church. Rendered in a crisp red ink over a pale blue background field, the design highlights the iconic bell tower surrounded by stylized geometric light rays projecting outward from its spire. The text "MIDNIGHT RIDE • ONE IF BY LAND, TWO IF BY SEA" runs vertically along the left-hand margin in bold red block lettering, while the denomination "USA 24c" is positioned in the upper right quadrant. This specific piece is preserved on a small paper fragment featuring a clean, bold circular wavy-line machine cancellation postmark applied in Denver, Colorado, on January 21, 1976.
Circa: 1976
Condition: Used
Notes:
This stamp belongs to the highly recognizable Americana Series released by the United States Postal Service to replace the older Prominent Americans series during the United States Bicentennial era. The famous text framing the church spire references Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's historic poem recounting Paul Revere's ride on April 18, 1775, when lanterns hung in this very belfry warned patriots of incoming British forces.