Habsburg Empire Stamp Appraisal

Austrian Franz Joseph I. 10 Heller Postage Stamp (1908 issue)

This item is a 10 Heller postage stamp from Austria, featuring a portrait of Emperor Franz Joseph I. The stamp is predominantly red-orange in color, with the portrait and text rendered in white against this background. The central oval depicts a left-facing profile of Emperor Franz Joseph I, with the year '1908' visible above his head, likely indicating the centenary of his birth or a significant anniversary. Surrounding the portrait are the inscriptions 'K. K. OSTERREICHISCHE POST' (Imperial-Royal Austrian Post) in an arch above and 'ERSTERREICHISCHE' below. The denomination '10 HELLER 10' is clearly visible at the bottom of the stamp. The stamp is printed on white paper, which has yellowed significantly over time, suggesting an aged appearance. The edges show evidence of perforation, a common feature of postage stamps, though the perforations are unevenly torn, particularly on the left side, indicating it was separated from a sheet. There are visible condition issues, including creasing and a notable diagonal tear or fold across the upper right quadrant of the stamp, obscuring some of the text and the perforations in that area. The paper itself shows signs of wear, discoloration, and some minor foxing or age spots. The reverse side is not visible, so the condition of the gumming (if any remains) cannot be assessed. This stamp belongs to a series issued around 1908, likely celebrating Emperor Franz Joseph I. The craftsmanship involves a detailed engraved portrait, typical of official postal issues of that period.