{"product_id":"1983-handcar-1880s-transportation-series-first-day-cover","title":"1983 Handcar 1880s Transportation Series First Day Cover","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis nostalgic official ArtCraft First Day Cover is part of the long-running Transportation Series, honoring the handcar (also called a \"push car\" or \"pump trolley\")—a simple, human-powered rail vehicle used by railroad workers in the late 19th century for track maintenance and inspection. The strip of five 3¢ coil stamps (Scott #1897 series, issued for bulk rate) depicts a classic handcar of the 1880s with its pump handles, four wheels, and basic wooden platform, repeated across the strip for emphasis on the design. The large, evocative cachet artwork shows a group of four rugged railroad men in period overalls, suspenders, and hats standing proudly around a handcar loaded with tools and rope on the tracks, while a second handcar appears in the background, all rendered in detailed grayscale to capture the grit and camaraderie of 1880s rail work. The cover includes the famous folk song lyric \"I've been workin' on the railroad all the live-long day\" with musical notes, adding a playful, Americana touch. Postmarked March 25, 1983 (issue date), in Rochester, New York—with a clear \"First Day of Issue\" cancellation (ZIP 14652)—this cover appeals to railroad enthusiasts, transportation philatelists, labor history collectors, or completists of the Transportation coil series. It remains in excellent vintage unaddressed condition with strong contrast, clean edges, and vivid artwork, ideal for display or album integration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maple Springs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51233984577700,"sku":null,"price":4.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0580\/4713\/5908\/files\/05092025_088.jpg?v=1770411018","url":"https:\/\/fdc-vault.com\/products\/1983-handcar-1880s-transportation-series-first-day-cover","provider":"Maple Springs - FDC Vault","version":"1.0","type":"link"}