Father Mathew Stamp Appraisal

Father Mathew Centenary Irish Stamp

This is a commemorative postage stamp, likely from Ireland, celebrating the centenary of Father Theobald Mathew, known as the 'Apostle of Temperance.' The stamp features a monochrome design, predominantly in black ink on a light-colored paper, enclosed within a thick black border. The central motif is a profile portrait of a man, presumably Father Mathew, facing left. He has a distinct head of curly or wavy hair. Above the portrait, the text 'seo cuige in ainm dé' is visible, with the dates '1838' on the left and '1938' on the right, signifying the centenary. Below the portrait, the text reads 'an t-at. maitiú, o.m.cap.' which translates to 'Father Mathew, O.M. Cap.' The denomination '2p' is clearly visible in the bottom right corner, suggesting a value of two pence. The word 'EIRE' (Gaelic for Ireland) is prominently displayed in a stylized font, centrally located, with an indistinct circular cancellation mark partially obscuring it, which reads 'DUBLIN' (or 'BAILE ATHA CLIATH' a gaelic translation). The stamp is perforated along its edges, indicative of its typical manufacturing process. The overall condition appears to be good, with a clear impression of the design, although the cancellation mark suggests it has been used. The paper has a slight yellowish tint, possibly due to age. This stamp represents a specific historical event in Irish culture and philately, linking it to the period of its issue, likely 1938.