Details:

William O. Douglas autographed First Day Cover (FDC) honoring John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court and one of the most influential figures in American judicial history.

The cover features an attractive ArtCraft cachet depicting Chief Justice John Marshall, accompanied by illustrations of the scales of justice and an open law book. Affixed at the upper right is a 40-cent John Marshall postage stamp from the 1954–1956 Regular Postage Series, postmarked Richmond, Virginia, September 24, 1955, with a First Day of Issue cancellation.

Douglas has personally signed "Wm. O. Douglas" in blue ink across the right portion of the envelope, adding the handwritten date "April 17, 1939," the date he took his seat on the United States Supreme Court.

An interesting association piece connecting two of the longest-serving justices in American history. John Marshall served as Chief Justice from 1801 to 1835 and established the principle of judicial review through the landmark decision Marbury v. Madison (1803). Douglas served on the Supreme Court for more than 36 years, the longest tenure of any justice in the Court's history.

The cover was issued in 1955, with Douglas's autograph and handwritten reference to his 1939 appointment added subsequently.

Fine condition with light age toning and minor handling wear.

William O. Douglas (1898–1980) was an American jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1939 to 1975. Appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Douglas was a prominent defender of civil liberties, individual rights, and environmental conservation.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11700 1419413-1