40 Reichspfennig Stamp Appraisal

Nazi Germany Airmail "Eagle and Swastika over Globe" Postage Stamp (40 Reichspfennig)

This item is a historical postage stamp from Nazi Germany, specifically an airmail stamp featuring prominent political and nationalistic iconography. The stamp is predominantly in shades of red and off-white/beige, with the main design elements rendered in a deep red color against a lighter background. The central design depicts a large, stylized eagle in flight, soaring above a representation of the globe. The eagle's wings are outstretched, conveying a sense of power and dominance. In the upper left quadrant of the stamp, positioned above the globe and partially obscured by the eagle's wing, a swastika is clearly visible within a circular motif, radiating lines extending outwards, symbolizing the Nazi regime. The bottom portion of the stamp contains text, partially visible, which reads "Deutsche 40 Luftpost", indicating 'German 40 Airmail'. The number '40' likely refers to the denomination in Reichspfennig. The edges of the stamp show characteristic perforations, though the top edge appears to have a more irregular, possibly wavy or serrated, cut, suggesting it might be part of a larger sheet or series with varying perforations. Several dark, irregular, vertical lines strongly suggest the stamp has been postmarked or cancelled, indicating it has been used. The overall condition appears to be consistent with a used stamp of its age, potentially showing some wear inherent to circulation. The print quality appears to be clear, despite the cancellation marks. This item dates to the period of Nazi Germany (1933-1945) due to the unmistakable swastika emblem and the German text 'Deutsche Luftpost', making it a piece of historical philately from a contentious era.