Claude
This is an official USPS maximum card / maxi card for the AMERIPEX '86 International Stamp Show, Chicago, May 22 to June 1, 1986. The large cachet artwork by Richard Sheaff features an enlarged blue reproduction of a classic U.S. postage stamp depicting Benjamin Franklin (resembling the 1869/1870s issue) on a tan background, with the bold text 'AMERIPEX 86' and show details printed above. Two stamps are affixed: the 22-cent AMERIPEX 86 commemorative stamp (showing the same Franklin design in blue on an orange background) and a 22-cent Franklin Pierce presidential stamp (dark green with a portrait of Pierce and his facsimile signature). The postmark is a circular date stamp reading 'CHICAGO IL / MAY 22 / 1986 / 60607' with 'FIRST DAY OF ISSUE' text printed below the stamps.
Mistral
The cachet features a detailed blue reproduction of a classic Benjamin Franklin stamp on a tan background, with 'AMERIPEX 86 International Stamp Show, Chicago, May 22 to June 1, 1986' printed in bold black text. Two 22-cent stamps are affixed: the AMERIPEX '86 commemorative stamp (Scott 2145) with a circular design and the Franklin Pierce presidential stamp (Scott 2218). A circular postmark with 'CHICAGO IL 60601' and 'MAY 22 1986' is clearly visible, canceling both stamps. The reverse side of the card includes text describing the artwork by Richard Sheaff for the AMERIPEX '86 stamp. The condition of the cover is excellent, with clear and intact artwork, stamps, and postmark.
(The automatic summaries sometimes misidentify the postmark as part of the cachet artwork.)
