Name/Title
USS Texas (BB 35) “Independence Day” [Cover]Description
Black cachet of a sailor throwing fireworks exploding “July 4th”. Another sailor is riding a bucking bronco with a lasso spelling out “USS Texas.” Recognized “BREMERTON / WASHINGTON” inserted between the killer bars. Posted aboard USS Texas (BB 35) on Jul 4, 1933. Signed in green to the right of the bronco, “E O Tauer / U.S.N.” Addressed in blue typewriter “Mr. W G Crosby / P O Box 602 / San Pedro Cal,” attributed to Crosby’s personal collection.Context
Walter Crosby’s signature style of cover was started in May 1935. He used a specialized heat printing process known as “thermography’ which was done by sprinkling resin or wax powder on the wet ink and then heating the cover melting the material, resulting in a raised effect in the printing. This cover was posted aboard USS Texas, in Bremerton, Washington, on July 4, 1933 to celebrate Independence Day.