Collectors Stamps Appraisal

Collection of Used Austrian Postage Stamps

This item is a collection of six used postage stamps, primarily from Austria, showcasing a range of designs and denominations. The stamps are of various sizes, typically rectangular with perforations around the edges, indicating they were separated from sheets. The materials appear to be standard paper used for philatelic products. Colors vary significantly, including teal, grey, reddish-purple, brown, orange, and a deep reddish-maroon. Notable features include several stamps with the word 'ÖSTERREICH,' identifying them as Austrian. Two stamps display a stylized sheaf of wheat design, one in teal with '20 Kronen' and the other in grey with '100 Kronen.' Another stamp, marked 'REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH' and '1 SCHILLING,' features an ornate reddish-purple pattern. A brown-toned stamp with 'REPUBLIK' and '12 Groschen' shows a scenic depiction, possibly a landscape or building, with multiple postal cancellations. An orange stamp is marked 'Österreich 5 Kronen' with vertical stripes in the background. The final stamp, dark reddish-maroon, bears 'KAISERLICHE K.K. POST' and 'HELVEIA 10 HELLER' (though 'Helveia' may be an OCR error, more likely 'Kaiserliche Königliche Österreichische Post' and a Heller denomination), featuring a crowned imperial eagle. All stamps show signs of postal use, evidenced by various circular and rectangular cancellation marks in black or purple ink, some with visible dates (e.g., '24.10.10' on the brown stamp). The overall condition of the stamps is used, with some exhibiting typical wear such as minor creases, slight discoloration, and varying degrees of cleanliness in the perforations. The reddish-maroon stamp appears to be significantly trimmed or irregularly cut on the right side and has some paper residue or damage on its top right corner. The quality indicators suggest mass-produced postage stamps from the late 19th or early 20th century, consistent with the Kronen, Schilling, Groschen, and Heller currency denominations, placing their estimated age in the period of the Austro-Hungarian Empire or early modern Austrian Republic. The craftsmanship is typical of the era, focusing on clear printing and functional design.