Barn Swallow envelope (U.S. 2017)

Updated April 3rd: The Scott Catalogue number for this issue is U696.

Updated February 12th: Here is the pictorial first-day cancel for this issue: It measures 2.88” x 1.46”.

Updated February 3rd:
On March 3, 2017, in Reno, NV, the U.S. Postal Service® will issue the Barn Swallow stamped envelope (Forever priced at 49 cents) plus a 12¢ surcharge.

The U.S. Postal Service celebrates a favorite backyard bird with the issuance of the Barn Swallow stamped envelope. This stamped envelope features a large illustration of a barn swallow perching and a smaller illustration showing the bird in flight. The barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) originally nested in caves. As man-made structures began to dot the North American landscape, barn swallows adapted by building their mud nests under the eaves of barns, houses, and bridges, thus becoming a familiar sight in farmyards. Barn swallows are acrobatic flyers, and a single bird can catch and consume thousands of insects in one day. Art director William J. Gicker designed the stamp with original art by Matthew Frey.

The WAG (water-activated gum) Barn Swallow (Forever) stamped envelopes will be available in the following formats only through Stamp Fulfillment Services at www.usps.com/stamps or by calling 800-782-6724:

  • #10 regular envelope (Item 291500)
  • #10 window envelope (Item 291600)
  • #9 regular envelope (Item 291100)
  • #9 window envelope (Item 291200)
  • #6-¾ regular envelope (item 280700)
  • #6-¾ window envelope (Item 280800)

The PSA (pressure-sensitive adhesive) Barn Swallow (Forever) stamped envelopes will be available in the following formats in the field and through Stamp Fulfillment Services:

  • #10 regular envelope (Item 291300)
  • #10 window envelope (Item 291400)
  • #9 regular envelope (Item 290900)
  • #9 window envelope (Item 291000)
  • #6¾ regular envelope (Item 280500)
  • #6¾ window envelope (Item 280600)

Stamp Fulfillment Services will not make an automatic push distribution to Post Offices.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark:
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase the new stamped envelopes at The Postal Store® website at http://www.usps.com/shop or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

FDOI – Barn Swallow Stamped Envelope
USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services
8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service™ will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by May 3, 2017.

There are 12 philatelic products for this stamp issue:

  • 291516 #10 Regular WAG First-Day Cover, $0.73
  • 291616 #10 Window WAG First-Day Cover, $0.73
  • 291116 #9 Regular WAG First-Day Cover, $0.73
  • 291216 #9 Window WAG First-Day Cover, $0.73
  • 280716 #6¾ Regular WAG First-Day Cover, $0.73
  • 280816 #6¾ Window WAG First-Day Cover, $0.73
  • 291316 #10 Regular PSA First-Day Cover, $0.73
  • 291416 #10 Window PSA First-Day Cover, $0.73
  • 290916 #9 Regular PSA First-Day Cover, $0.73
  • 291016 #9 Window PSA First-Day Cover, $0.73
  • 280516 #6¾ Regular PSA First-Day Cover, $0.73
  • 280616 #6¾ Window PSA First-Day Cover, $0.73

Technical Specifications (All):

Issue: Barn Swallow Stamped Envelope
Denomination & Type of Issue: First-Class Mail Forever Stamped Envelope
Issue Date & City: March 3, 2017, Reno, NV 89510
Art Director: William J. Gicker, Washington, DC
Designer: William J. Gicker, Washington, DC
Typographer: William J. Gicker, Washington, DC
Artist: Matthew Frey, Annapolis, MD
Modeler: Joseph Sheeran
Manufacturing Process: Offset, Microprint “USPS”
Printer: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Printed at: Williamsville, NY
Press Type: Halm Jet EM4000
Folding Machine: W&D #527
Print Quantity: Fulfillment
Paper Type: 61# Postal Envelope, Block, Type III
Adhesive Type: Water-activated Gum
Processed at: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. (APU)
Envelope Orientation: Horizontal
Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, PMS 339 Green
Marginal Markings: FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Logo • “THIS ENVELOPE IS RECYCLABLE AND MADE WITH 30% POST CONSUMER CONTENT” • Recycling Logo • © USPS 2016

Item Number: 291500
Format: #10 Regular Envelope
Envelope Size: (w x h): 9.5 x 4.125 in/241.30 x 104.78 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.906 x 1.263 in/48.41 x 32.08 mm

Item Number: 291600
Format: #10 Window Envelope
Envelope Size: (w x h): 9.5 x 4.125 in/241.30 x 104.78 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.906 x 1.263 in/48.41 x 32.08 mm

Item Number: 291100
Format: #9 Regular Envelope
Envelope Size: (w x h): 8.875 x 3.875 in/225.43 x 98.43 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.906 x 1.263 in/48.41 x 32.08 mm

Item Number: 291200
Format: #9 Window Envelope
Envelope Size: (w x h): 8.875 x 3.875 in/225.43 x 98.43 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.906 x 1.263 in/48.41 x 32.08 mm

Item Number: 280700
Format: #6-¾ Regular Envelope
Envelope Size: (w x h): 6.50 x 3.625 in/165.10 x 92.08 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.906 x 1.263 in/48.41 x 32.08 mm

Item Number: 280800
Format: #6-¾ Window Envelope
Envelope Size: (w x h): 6.50 x 3.625 in/165.10 x 92.08 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.906 x 1.263 in/48.41 x 32.08 mm

Item Number: 291300
Format: #10 Regular Envelope
Envelope Size: (w x h): 9.5 x 4.125 in/241.30 x 104.78 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.906 x 1.263 in/48.41 x 32.08 mm

Item Number: 291400
Format: #10 Window Envelope
Envelope Size: (w x h): 9.5 x 4.125 in/241.30 x 104.78 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.906 x 1.263 in/48.41 x 32.08 mm

Item Number: 290900
Format: #9 Regular Envelope
Envelope Size: (w x h): 8.875 x 3.875 in/225.43 x 98.43 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.906 x 1.263 in/48.41 x 32.08 mm

Item Number: 291000
Format: #9 Window Envelope
Envelope Size: (w x h): 8.875 x 3.875 in/225.43 x 98.43 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.906 x 1.263 in/48.41 x 32.08 mm

Item Number: 280500
Format: #6¾ Regular Envelope
Envelope Size: (w x h): 6.50 x 3.625 in/165.10 x 92.08 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.906 x 1.263 in/48.41 x 32.08 mm

Item Number: 280600
Format: #6¾ Window Envelope
Envelope Size: (w x h): 6.50 x 3.625 in/165.10 x 92.08 mm
Image Size (w x h): 1.906 x 1.263 in/48.41 x 32.08 mm

Updated January 5th: This envelope will be issued March 3rd in Reno, Nevada, at AmeriStamp Expo.

From the USPS, September 20, 2016:

s_barnswallowThe Postal Service celebrates a favorite backyard bird on this Barn Swallow stamped envelope. It features a large illustration of a barn swallow perching and a smaller illustration above it, showing the bird in flight. The barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) originally nested in caves. As man-made structures began to dot the North American landscape, barn swallows adapted by building their mud nests under the eaves of barns, houses and bridges. Barn swallows are acrobatic flyers, and a single bird can catch and consume thousands of insects in one day. Art director William J. Gicker designed the stamp with original art by Matthew Frey.

10 thoughts on “Barn Swallow envelope (U.S. 2017)

    • From Postal Bulletin 02 FEB 12 USPS #’s for this envelope. PSA AND WAG adhesive versions of the With AND Without windows versions. Sizes 10, 9, 6 (( 3 x 2) x 2 ) = 12 A 4-Bar FDoI is available for Each Version #16 at 73 cents each.

      • See if the table stays as typed:

        Type PSA WAG
        10 2913 2915
        10W 2914 2916
        9 2909 2911
        9W 2910 2912
        6 2805 2807
        6W 2806 2808

        • I received a letter back from Mr Bessette, Postmaster Oneco CT. He Will Only have the PSA Adhesive, No Window Versions of the #10, #9, & #6 envelopes.
          ( 2913, 2909, 2805 ) No WAG, No Windows.
          ( Get them from KC MO ) He will sell you Any Quantity you want. ( 1 – x )

  1. The release does not say whether either the window variety or the PSA adhesive variety are suitable for printing on a laser printer. Neither the older window or PSA adhesive with the removable strip which extends beyond the flap are suitable for laser printing.

  2. These are truly NOT printed envelopes as advertised.
    They are merely stamps affixed to envelopes.
    Really iffy of Scott to give it a “U” designation.

  3. I was at the APS show in Reno for the first day ceremony for this envelope. It is a regular printed USPS envelope. I only purchased the regular # 6 size (to do FDC’s) but, they also had #10’s and the window versions available at the USPS table at the show.

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