Hand-addressed and signed mailing envelope, addressed in Guthrie’s hand to “Asch Record Studio, 117 West 46th Street, New York City, New York,” and signed in the return address area, “Pvt. W. Guthrie 42234634, 3520 Mermaid Avenue, Brooklyn, 24, NY.” The envelope, which is postmarked January 8, 1946, also bears the franking notation “free” in Guthrie’s hand. Attractively double matted and framed with an image of Guthrie to an overall size of 15.75 x 20.5. In fine condition, with a light overall shade of toning. Guthrie had unsuccessfully lobbied the United States Army to avoid the draft, believing that his anti-fascist songs and poems were the best use of his talents in the war. Pressured by his friend Cisco Houston, Guthrie, along with Jim Longhi, then joined the U. S. Merchant Marine. The musician’s association with communism would eventually render him ineligible for further service in the Merchant Marine, causing him to be drafted into the Army near the end of the war. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
