1991 29c Comedians: Abbott and Costello

# 2566 - 1991 29c Comedians: Abbott and Costello

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US #2566
1991 Abbott and Costello

  • Honors 20th century American Comedy team
  • Part of Comedians set
  • Art by caricaturist Albert Hirschfeld
  • Stamps contain secret marks

Category of Stamp:  Commemorative
Set: 
Comedians
Value: 
29¢, First Class Mail Rate
First Day of Issue: 
August 29, 1991
First Day City: 
Hollywood, California
Quantity Issued: 
139,995,600
Printed by: 
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method:
Lithographed and Engraved
Format: 
2 booklet panes of 10
Perforations: 
11

Reason the stamp was issued:  The set of five Comedians stamps was issued to pay tribute to some of America’s most famous comedians of the 20th century.

About the stamp design:  Albert Hirschfeld is best known for his pencil drawing of Broadway plays that appeared in the New York Times newspaper for decades.  His familiar style is evident in these stamps picturing some of America’s greatest comedians.  The stamps feature Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy; Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy; Jack Benny; Fanny Brice; and Bud Abbott and Lou Costello.

Special design details:  Postal rules and regulations fell by the wayside for these booklet stamps.  Not only is the designer’s name, famous caricaturist Albert Hirschfeld, prominently displayed on the cover of the booklet, but the rule against secret marks in stamp artwork was waived for him, as well.  He was allowed to continue his practice of incorporating his daughter’s name, “Nina,” somewhere in each of his drawings.

About the printing process:  Hirschfeld’s drawings were reproduced by photo-offset lithography.  The “USA29” was produced using intaglio engraving.

First Day City:  The First Day of Issue ceremony was held Mann’s Chinese Theatre, home of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in Hollywood, California.  Members of the comedians’ families made brief speeches during the ceremony.

About the Comedians set:  During the unveiling of these stamps, Postmaster General Anthony Frank said, “These comedians have made immeasurable contributions to American culture and, through the magic of radio and film, have brought laughter and joy to millions of people throughout the world.”  These stars of Vaudeville, Broadway, radio, and Hollywood were some of the nation’s brightest comedy stars of the 20th century.

History the Stamp Represents:

Bud Abbott (1897-1974) and Lou Costello (1906-1959) first teamed up in a burlesque show in 1936.  Costello was the comedian and Abbott was his straight man.  Two years later, they received roles on radio variety shows.  Their popular routine “Who’s on First?” premiered at that time.  They began their film career in 1940 and had starring roles the following year in Buck Privates.  The team appeared in 36 films and became the most popular and highest-paid entertainers in the world in the 1940s.  During World War II, they sold war bonds and entertained the troops overseas.  In 1957, Abbott and Costello dissolved their partnership. 

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US #2566
1991 Abbott and Costello

  • Honors 20th century American Comedy team
  • Part of Comedians set
  • Art by caricaturist Albert Hirschfeld
  • Stamps contain secret marks

Category of Stamp:  Commemorative
Set: 
Comedians
Value: 
29¢, First Class Mail Rate
First Day of Issue: 
August 29, 1991
First Day City: 
Hollywood, California
Quantity Issued: 
139,995,600
Printed by: 
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method:
Lithographed and Engraved
Format: 
2 booklet panes of 10
Perforations: 
11

Reason the stamp was issued:  The set of five Comedians stamps was issued to pay tribute to some of America’s most famous comedians of the 20th century.

About the stamp design:  Albert Hirschfeld is best known for his pencil drawing of Broadway plays that appeared in the New York Times newspaper for decades.  His familiar style is evident in these stamps picturing some of America’s greatest comedians.  The stamps feature Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy; Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy; Jack Benny; Fanny Brice; and Bud Abbott and Lou Costello.

Special design details:  Postal rules and regulations fell by the wayside for these booklet stamps.  Not only is the designer’s name, famous caricaturist Albert Hirschfeld, prominently displayed on the cover of the booklet, but the rule against secret marks in stamp artwork was waived for him, as well.  He was allowed to continue his practice of incorporating his daughter’s name, “Nina,” somewhere in each of his drawings.

About the printing process:  Hirschfeld’s drawings were reproduced by photo-offset lithography.  The “USA29” was produced using intaglio engraving.

First Day City:  The First Day of Issue ceremony was held Mann’s Chinese Theatre, home of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in Hollywood, California.  Members of the comedians’ families made brief speeches during the ceremony.

About the Comedians set:  During the unveiling of these stamps, Postmaster General Anthony Frank said, “These comedians have made immeasurable contributions to American culture and, through the magic of radio and film, have brought laughter and joy to millions of people throughout the world.”  These stars of Vaudeville, Broadway, radio, and Hollywood were some of the nation’s brightest comedy stars of the 20th century.

History the Stamp Represents:

Bud Abbott (1897-1974) and Lou Costello (1906-1959) first teamed up in a burlesque show in 1936.  Costello was the comedian and Abbott was his straight man.  Two years later, they received roles on radio variety shows.  Their popular routine “Who’s on First?” premiered at that time.  They began their film career in 1940 and had starring roles the following year in Buck Privates.  The team appeared in 36 films and became the most popular and highest-paid entertainers in the world in the 1940s.  During World War II, they sold war bonds and entertained the troops overseas.  In 1957, Abbott and Costello dissolved their partnership.