Lyle Tayson (American, 1924 - 2014) "Leatherworker Craftsmen" Signed lower left. Original Oil painting on Canvas. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 13c Leatherworker stamp issue of July 4, 1977. During the Colonial era, leather was one of the most widely used materials. It was used for boots, shoes, coats, gloves, aprons, belts, harness, and many other things. Belts drove simple machines and served as valves in pumps. When America's War for Independence started, the need for leather for military use increased at once by leaps and bounds. The leather harness, for instance, pulled artillery guns and wagons. And, to protect fragile paper musket cartridges from dampness or damage, leather was used to make stiff waterproof cartridge boxes. Every soldier needed one, for damp cartridges could lose battles. As the army grew, more leather was needed. The constant cry from commanders in the field for supplies was not always heeded, but civilian craftsmen, and Leatherworkers in particular, were responsive when possible. To increase production, they shortened the tanning process, producing only slightly inferior leather. In their own shops they worked long and hard, knowing that in the army men went without shoes. These civilian craftsmen answered freedom's call as fully as soldiers and sailors. They, too, risked their lives and their fortunes as collaborators of rebellion. Image Size: 26 x 20.75 in. Overall Size: 30.25 x 24 in. Unframed. (B05136)