1919 Philately Appraisal

Jamaica 1919 'Return of a Contingent' 2½d Postage & Revenue Stamp

This item is a postage and revenue stamp from Jamaica, issued in 1919, with a denomination of 2½ pence. The stamp features a central vignette depicting a group of soldiers disembarking from a ship, with the text 'RETURN OF A CONTINGENT 1919.' prominently displayed below the scene. The central image is framed by a decorative border. The top border contains the word 'JAMAICA' in capital letters, flanked by the denomination '2½d' in both upper corners. The bottom border reads 'POSTAGE' on the left and 'REVENUE' on the right, separated by an intricate design of crossed flags. The color of the stamp appears to be a muted blue or grayish-blue, indicative of its age and the printing methods of the era. The stamp exhibits a perforated edge, a standard characteristic for collectible stamps, though some perforations appear to be slightly damaged or uneven, particularly on the left and bottom edges. There is significant evidence of cancellation markings, primarily in dark ink, obscuring portions of the left side of the central image and the 'POSTAGE' text. This suggests the stamp has been used. The paper shows signs of age-related discoloration, appearing off-white or cream, consistent with an item over a century old. There is a handwritten '1.00' in black ink at the top of the stamp, likely an unofficial price or catalog number added by a previous owner or dealer. The overall condition, while showing clear signs of use and age, still presents the main design elements legibly, making it a potentially valuable historical piece for philatelists interested in British colonial or military history stamps.