1930s Stamp Appraisal

Austrian Stamp - Tyrol region, 'Osterreich' (Austria), possibly from the 1930s

This item is a postage stamp, characterized by its rectangular form and serrated or 'perforated' edges, indicating it was intended to be torn from a sheet. The primary color of the stamp's design is a reddish-brown or terracotta hue, printed on what appears to be off-white or yellowish paper. The upper border of the stamp clearly displays the word 'OSTERREICH' in capital letters, signifying its origin in Austria. The central image depicts a figure, likely a man, wearing a hat, holding what appears to be a tool or instrument, possibly a scythe or a similar agricultural implement, against a backdrop of mountainous terrain. This imagery, combined with the visible text 'TIROL' and 'KIRCH' (partially obscured), strongly suggests a depiction related to the Tyrol region of Austria, known for its Alpine landscapes and traditional peasant life. The stamp has been postmarked with a circular black ink cancellation, which partially covers the central image and some of the text. The cancellation appears to have 'ENSTE...' and other illegible letters, along with a date that is difficult to discern completely, though '2.193' is faintly visible, hinting at a possible date in the 1930s. The stamp exhibits signs of wear commensurate with its age and use, including the cancellation mark and slight discoloration of the paper. Despite the wear, the perforation is largely intact, and the main design elements remain discernible. The quality of printing is typical for its era, with fine lines and a cohesive color application. The design speaks to a national or regional identity, likely celebrating the landscapes or traditional life of Tyrol.