This stamp is part of a block of four issued for the 2013 holiday season. The gingerbread houses were constructed specifically for the stamp design.
 
Gingerbread houses and cookies are a holiday treat in the United States. The dough used to make them is quite simple by modern standards, with major grocery stores carrying ginger and other spices from the most exotic locations. But many common spices were not available when gingerbread was introduced, making it a luxury for the rich and a type of currency that influenced history.
 
In 17th century France and Germany, only professional gingerbread bakers were allowed to bake the treat. Considered a gift worthy of royalty and heads of state in England, gingerbread was often decorated with edible gold paint. Queen Elizabeth I impressed important visitors with gingerbread likenesses of themselves. In the Colonies, George Washington was fond of his mother’s recipe, which included a generous dose of brandy.
 
As spices became widely available, religious groups, especially Catholic monks, gave gingerbread to the needy and served it on holidays. In Pennsylvania, the children of German immigrants decorated foot-high gingerbread men to place in the windows of their homes to cheer passersby.
 
Today, gingerbread houses are a staple during the Christmas holidays, sending a message of happiness and good cheer that has ancient roots.
 
These Forever®stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class MailR one-ounce rate.

Made in the USA.


Product Specs：
 
Issue:Gingerbread Houses Stamps
 
Item Number:688900
 
Denomination & Type of Issue:First-Class Mail Forever
 
Format:Booklet of 20 (4 designs)
 
Series:Holiday Celebrations
 
Issue Date & City:November 6, 2013, New York, NY 10199
 
Art Director:Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
 
Designer:Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
 
Typographer:Derry Noyes, Washington, DC
 
Photographer:Sally Andersen-Bruce, New Milford, CT
 
Gingerbread House Designer:Teresa Layman
 
Modeler:Donald Woo
 
Manufacturing Process:Offset/Microprint “USPS”
 
Engraver:N/A
 
Printer:Banknote Corporation of America
 
Printed at:Browns Summit, NC
 
Press Type:Alprinta, 74
 
Stamps per Booklet:20
 
Print Quantity:750 million stamps
 
Paper Type:Prephosphored, Type II
 
Adhesive Type:Pressure-sensitive
 
Processed at:Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, NC
 
Stamp Orientation:Vertical
 
Image Area (w x h):0.77 x 1.05 in./19.55 x 26.67 mm
 
Stamp Size (w x h):0.91 x 1.19 in./23.11 x 30.22 mm
 
Booklet Size (w x h):5.74 x 2.38 in./145.80 x 60.45 mm
 
Colors:Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
 
Plate Size:200 stamps per revolution
 
Plate Numbers:“S” followed by four (4) single digit

Shipping Information:

Shipping Method: USPS First Class & USPS Priority Mail.

Handling time: Usually around 2~3 business days.

Delivery time: Usually around 3-5 business days.

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