1937 Scott 797 SPA Convention FDC Asheville NC 10c Smoky Mountains #21696 #1497

Original 1937 Society of Philatelic Americans (SPA) Convention First Day Cover from Asheville, North Carolina, featuring the 10¢ Great Smoky Mountains souvenir sheet, Scott #797. The souvenir sheet was issued specifically for the 43rd Annual Convention of the Society of Philatelic Americans, held in Asheville, N.C., August 26–28, 1937. It was printed by the U.S. Treasury Department, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, under the authority of Postmaster General James A. Farley. This example bears Plate Number 21696 and remains attached to its original mailed envelope. Most notably, it has a clear ASHEVILLE, N.C. / AUG 26 / 9-AM / 1937 cancellation. August 26 was the official first day of issue, making this a genuine first-day usage from the opening morning of the convention. The blue-green souvenir sheet reproduces the famous 10¢ Great Smoky Mountains National Park design and has strong crossover appeal to collectors of U.S. stamps, First Day Covers, National Parks, Great Smoky Mountains memorabilia, Asheville and North Carolina postal history, and philatelic convention material. Details: * Date: August 26, 1937 * Asheville, North Carolina * Society of Philatelic Americans Convention * Scott #797 * 10¢ Great Smoky Mountains design * Plate Number 21696 * Clear 9-AM First Day of Issue postmark * Original addressed and mailed envelope * Bureau of Engraving and Printing production Very attractive vintage postal-history piece with the souvenir sheet still attached. Light age and handling wear consistent with an original 1937 mailed cover. Please examine all photographs carefully for exact condition. Original 1937 item — not a reproduction.