1876 Stamp Appraisal

5 Cent Elias Howe US Postage Stamp (Used)

This item is a used United States postage stamp, denominated at 5 cents, featuring a portrait of Elias Howe. The stamp is predominantly blue in color with white lettering. The portrait of Elias Howe, a key figure in the development of the sewing machine, is depicted facing right, with visible facial features and details of his clothing, including a white collar. The top border of the stamp clearly states 'UNITED STATES POSTAGE'. A prominent cancellation mark, in black ink, obscures a significant portion of the stamp's face. This circular cancellation features text 'CHICAGO' arching at the top and 'DEC 13' (December 13) horizontally in the center, indicating the date of mailing. Beneath 'DEC 13', there's an indistinct year, possibly '1930s' or '1940s', and other less legible markings, typical of a postal cancellation. The denomination '5c' is visible in the lower left corner, along with 'ELIAS HOWE' printed above it. The stamp exhibits perforated edges, a standard characteristic of most postage stamps. The visible condition suggests it has been circulated and affixed to an envelope at some point, evidenced by the heavy cancellation and what appears to be part of another stamp or paper attached to the lower right, indicating it may have been soaked off a document or envelope. The blue ink used for the stamp itself appears to be a consistent shade, and despite the cancellation, the underlying design integrity is largely preserved. The style aligns with early to mid-20th-century philately.