Description:

George H.W. Bush Signed Inauguration Day Cover, with Outstanding Provenance

An Inauguration Day postal cover signed in black ink by 41st U.S. President George H.W. Bush (1924-2018) as "George Bush" in the postage section at upper right. With an "Inauguration Day" cancellation and postmark dated January 20, 1989 from Washington, D.C. A cachet at left depicts a portrait of Bush entitled "George H.W. Bush / 41st President of the United States / January 20, 1989." Near fine. 6.5" x 3.675."

The George H.W. Bush signed cover is accompanied by superb provenance material from Thomas "Tip" O'Neill, Jr. (1912-1994), former Speaker of the House of Representatives between 1977-1986; and Lewis F. Shull (1915-2010), an accomplished JAG lawyer and administrator, retired brigadier general, and nationally recognized philatelist.

PROVENANCE

1. A 1p typed letter on formal letterhead signed by Tip O'Neill as "Thomas P O'Neill Jr," providing a step-by-step summary of when and how this Inauguration Day cover was signed by President George H.W. Bush.

In part:

"The accompanying cacheted cover was signed on 20 January 1989 by President George N. [sic] Bush moments after he was sworn into office…at a luncheon in the U.S. Capitol hosted by Speaker of the House James Wright. Before a nationally televised audience, President Bush signed this, and several other covers…immediately after he signed the book nominating various members of his Cabinet…

The covers were returned to me and given to my good friend Lewis F. Shull who went directly to the Postmaster of the House, Mr Robert Rota…The covers were returned to me. I presented several to Lewis F. Shull and several to the President…"

2. A 1p autograph letter signed by Lewis F. Shull as "Lew." N.d., n.p. but handwritten on a half sheet of memo paper partly printed "Shull Service, Crofton, Maryland." Shull wrote to a recipient named Marjorie, in part: "Herewith provenance on your rare 'Bush'…" Shull and his wife Helen operated a rare stamp business in Crofton, Maryland between 1970-2001. In the early 1980s, Shull served as President of the American Stamp Dealers' Association.

George H.W. Bush served as president between 1989-1993.

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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