Ecuador Philately Appraisal

Ecuador 1939 Mision Dolores Stamp

This item is a vintage postage stamp from Ecuador, likely issued in 1939, commemorating the Mision Dolores (Mission Dolores) in San Francisco, California, in conjunction with the 'Exposicion Internacional de la Puerta de Oro' (Golden Gate International Exposition) of 1939. The stamp features a central vignette of the Mission Dolores building, characterized by its architectural details including multiple stories, windows, and what appear to be bell arches or similar features on the upper section. The mission building is flanked by two twisted or fluted columns, giving the overall design a formal and classical feel. The top inscription prominently reads 'CORREOS DEL ECUADOR' (Posts of Ecuador), curved above the smaller text 'MISION DOLORES SAN FRANCISCO + CALIFORNIA'. Below the mission image, there's a banner stating 'CONCURRENCIA A LA EXPOSICION INTERNACIONAL DE LA PUERTA DE ORO 1939'. The denomination '2' appears in the bottom left and right corners, with 'DOS CENTAVOS' written in the lower center. A very fine print at the very bottom edge indicates the printer: 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COV. LTD. LONDRES', suggesting high-quality British printing. The stamp is predominantly green or teal ink on a light, possibly off-white, paper. It is rectangular with perforated edges, typical for postage stamps of that era. The visible condition appears to be good, with no obvious major tears or creases, although some minor corner or edge wear might be present from its inclusion in an album (as suggested by visible album page in the background). The printing is crisp, indicating good quality control from the manufacturer. The design aesthetic is characteristic of early 20th-century philately, blending informative text with an illustrative central image and decorative borders.