French Colonies Stamp Appraisal

Martinique 1 Centime 'Village de Basse-Pointe' Postage Stamp

This is a vintage postage stamp from Martinique, denominated as '1' (likely 1 Centime given the period and color commonality for such low denominations). The stamp features a central vignette depicting a village scene, specifically identified by the text 'VILLAGE DE BASSE-POINTE' at the bottom. Prominently in the background are numerous palm trees, characteristic of a tropical setting. In the mid-ground, various structures are visible, including what appears to be a church or prominent building with a spire on the left side, and several smaller, possibly residential or communal buildings. The overall tone of the stamp is a monochromatic reddish-orange or terracotta color, printed on what appears to be off-white or cream-colored paper. The stamp has a perforated edge, indicating it was part of a larger sheet. In the upper left corner, there is an ornate 'R' within a geometric frame, while the upper right corner displays the large numeral '1' also within a frame. The word 'MARTINIQUE' is clearly printed across the top, above the central image, and 'POSTES' is printed at the bottom, below the image. The artist's name 'CH. - DEL.' (likely for 'Charles Demout') and engraver's name 'SC.' (likely for 'Sculpsit' or 'Scotto') might be faintly visible on the bottom edge, as is common for these issues. The style appears consistent with French colonial stamps from the early 20th century, possibly dating to the 1900s to 1920s. The visible condition suggests it is unused, possibly never hinged, with clear, intact perforations. There are no obvious tears, creases, or major discolorations, though the image quality makes precise assessment of minor flaws challenging. The printing quality seems consistent with the era, showing good detail despite the monochromatic scheme. The design reflects a common theme of colonial stamps showcasing local landscapes or important landmarks.