David K. Stone (American, 1922 - 2001) "American Eagle Shield" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 34c Official Mail Coil stamp issued February 27, 2001. Prior to 1873, United States government employees could mail official documents by simply using their signature. This was known as franking -- a method of sending mail without paying for postage. Unfortunately, the system was prone to abuse and, in the years following the Civil War, misuse of the free-franking privilege significantly increased. In 1873, Congress abolished the system altogether and approved the first Official Mail stamps to be used by government agencies. The United States issued special stamps and postal stationery to be used by America's nine government departments -- Agriculture, Executive, Interior, Justice, Navy, Post Office, State, Treasury and War. Each department issued stamps represented by a specific color, for example, Agriculture stamps were always printed in yellow, Justice stamps in purple, Navy stamps in blue, State stamps in green and Treasury stamps in brown. Printed in denominations from 1? through $20, these first Official Mail stamps were printed by the Continental Bank Note Company, and portrayed distinguished profiles of noted Americans -- Benjamin Franklin, Andrew Jackson, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Edwin Stanton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, Winfield Scott, Alexander Hamilton, Oliver Perry and William Seward. Since 1983, all Official Mail stamps have featured the majestic bald eagle -- a proud symbol of America and its postal service. Image Size: 21.5 x 17.75 in. Overall Size: 27 x 24 in. Unframed. (B09398) See More