Groschen Stamps Appraisal

Austrian ÖSTERREICH 15 Groschen Tirol Stamp

This is a vintage Austrian postage stamp, likely from the mid-20th century, specifically depicting a scene representative of the Tirol region. The stamp is off-white in color with an intricate engraving printed in a dark, possibly blue-black or deep green, ink. The design features two figures: an adult woman in traditional attire, including a wide-brimmed hat with a feather or a distinctive adornment, looking down affectionately at a younger person or child. The child has long hair and is wearing a ruffled collar. In the background, a hilly or mountainous landscape is visible, with what appears to be a castle or fortified structure on an elevated position. The top of the stamp clearly bears the country name "ÖSTERREICH" (Austria) in a bold, sans-serif font. At the bottom, a rectangular banner is integrated into the design, containing the denomination "15 GROSCHEN" and the regional name "TIROL". There is also a small, almost illegible signature or inscription below the denomination, possibly 'G. JUNG'. The stamp exhibits a perforated edge, typical of postage stamps, though some perforations appear slightly torn or inconsistently separated from an adjacent stamp. A significant black ink cancellation mark, possibly in the shape of a partial circle or irregular squiggle, obscures part of the lower left design, covering the '15' and some of the characters in 'GROSCHEN'. This cancellation indicates the stamp has been used. The paper appears to have some minor discoloration consistent with age, and the overall condition shows signs of handling. The craftsmanship suggests a high-quality engraving, with fine lines and detailed shading used to convey texture in clothing and landscape elements, indicative of careful production for philatelic purposes.