Description:

Anthony McAuliffe
n.p., n.d.
Anthony "Nuts" McAuliffe Signed Belgian Postage Stamp
Signed Stamp
A vintage Belgian postage stamp signed by four-star American General Anthony C. McAuliffe (1898-1975) as "A.C. McAuliffe. / Nuts" across the center. The sepia "Bastogne in Memoriam" stamp, corresponding to 17.50 / 62.50 Belgian franc denomination, depicts a charging soldier surrounded by tanks, planes, and parachutes; a fierce eagle head, symbol of the 101st Airborne Division, is located at lower right. The signature extends past the edges of the stamp unto an off-white stock mount measuring 3.5" x 2.5." There is a horizontal line in pencil (to ensure a straight signature) running across the stamp. Faint water stains on the card verso. The actual stamp measures 1.875" x 1.125." From the Collection of James A. Bowman, a longtime autograph and stamp collector.

On December 16, 1944, General Anthony C. McAuliffe, commander of the American 101st Airborne Division, responded to the besieging Germans' invitation to surrender with a one-word answer: "Nuts!" McAuliffe's "Go to hell!" attitude in the face of adversity ensured the general's celebrity, and it later became his catchphrase. The city of Bastogne, Belgium, located near the country's southeastern border with Luxembourg, was targeted by Nazis in December 1944; Axis forces hoped to split up Allied forces and paralyze the Belgian port city of Antwerp. During the subsequent six-week-long campaign, called the Battle of the Bulge, General McAuliffe and three American airborne and armored divisions became holed up in the city. McAuliffe's forces resisted the Nazis until the city was liberated by Allied forces (for a second time) on December 26, 1944. McAuliffe's steadfastness and bravery during the campaign earned him several military awards, a promotion, and an unforgettable place in American popular culture.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 3.5" x 2.5"
  • Medium: Signed Stamp

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Shipping

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September 18, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000