Signed First Day Cover

Although Grover Cleveland had electric lights put on the White House Christmas tree in 1895, it was this 15-year-old Spanish immigrant who in New York in 1917 developed and popularized the modern concept of a string of small lights painted different colors to decorate trees and avoid the fires often caused by Christmas tree candles; his family firm (NOMA Electric Company) monopolized the industry for a time. Signed First Day Cover, 6½" X 3½", cancelled at Washington, DC on November 5, 1970 and with "First Day of Issue" noted. Fine. 6-cent "Christmas" stamp and 5-cent "Christmas 1963" stamp (featuring lit Christmas trees) at upper right. No decorative cachet at left; no distracting recipient's name/address. Across the horizontal cancellation lines around the words "First Day of Issue," Saddaca signs large and bold in blue ballpoint. Small portion of original transmittal envelope present. Very uncommon.