Alpenrosen Stamp Appraisal

Austrian Postage Stamp with Mountainous Landscape (Possibly 'Alpenrosen' or similar series)

This item is a postage stamp from Austria, as indicated by the prominent 'OSTERREICH' inscription along the top edge. The stamp features a central vignette depicting a mountainous landscape, rendered in a single monochromatic brown hue. Although details are somewhat obscured by a heavy, irregular dark cancellation mark, visible elements within the landscape include what appear to be jagged peaks, possibly with some snow or ice, and perhaps some foreground elements like trees or structures. The overall impression is one of a rugged, natural scene. The stamp has a perforated edge, typical of postal issues, and the paper appears to be off-white or cream-colored. The heavy cancellation mark, which consists of multiple dark, wavy, or jagged lines, covers a significant portion of the stamp's central image and extends across the 'OSTERREICH' lettering and into the bottom area where denomination or further identifying text would typically be located. This cancellation indicates the stamp has been used for postage. The visible condition issues are primarily concentrated around this heavy cancellation, which impacts the clarity of the design. The stamp is likely from the early to mid-20th century, given the artistic style and the type of landscape depiction common in Austrian postal history during that period. The engraving or printing method appears to be intaglio, providing fine lines and depth to the image despite the limited color palette. The corners and edges of the stamp appear intact, with no obvious major tears or creases beyond the cancellation. The quality of the paper and printing, even under the cancellation, suggests standard government postal production.