Historic Postage Stamp Appraisal

Boulder Dam - 1935 U.S. Postage Stamp

This item is a single, rectangular United States postage stamp, bearing the denomination of '3¢'. The stamp is printed in a monochromatic purple or deep indigo ink on what appears to be off-white or cream-colored paper. Its edges exhibit distinct, uncolored perforations, indicating it was separated from a sheet of stamps. The central image depicts a detailed engraving of Boulder Dam (later renamed Hoover Dam) nestled within a mountainous gorge, with a river flowing from it. The dam itself is prominently featured, showcasing its massive concrete structure and the water cascading from its upper sections. The surrounding landscape illustrates rough, rocky terrain and distant plateaus under a textured sky, rendered with fine lines characteristic of intaglio printing. Below the main image, within a rectangular border, are the inscriptions: 'BOULDER DAM - 1935' above 'U.S. POSTAGE'. The '3¢' denomination is repeated in both lower corners, flanking the text box. The stamp shows signs of some wear, with minor discoloration or possible staining visible on the top left edge of the white border, and slight creasing or age-related imperfections may be present although not overtly clear. The perforations appear largely intact, though some might be less crisp than others. The overall condition suggests it is a used or unmounted mint stamp, with an estimated age aligning with its '1935' inscription, typical of mid-20th century philatelic items. The quality of the engraving is fine, offering good detail in the architectural and natural elements of the scene, reflecting standard U.S. postal stationery craftsmanship of the era.