Latvian Philately Appraisal

Latvian 1918-1938 Commemorative Stamp

This item is a vintage postal stamp from Latvia, likely issued to commemorate a significant historical period, possibly the 20th anniversary of Latvian independence (1918-1938). The stamp features a central oval portrait of a distinguished-looking man, presumably a political or military leader, depicted in a military uniform with medals. His face shows some slight mottling or discoloration, which could be staining or a result of aging. To the left of the central portrait, two soldiers in early 20th-century military attire are visible, holding rifles. Their uniforms suggest a period coinciding with the dates inscribed on the stamp. In the background, to the right of the central figure, there appears to be a depiction of urban destruction or a battle scene, characterized by damaged buildings with prominent arched structures, possibly suggesting a city under siege or in reconstruction. Above the central design, the word 'LATVIJA' is clearly printed, identifying the country of origin. Below the dates '1918' and '1938' are displayed, framing the commemorative period. The denomination '10' is visible in the bottom right corner, though the currency unit is not specified, it likely refers to a monetary value. The stamp exhibits a typical perforated edge, indicating it was part of a larger sheet. The color scheme is predominantly dark green or dark teal, suggesting a monochromatic printing process common for stamps of this era. A faint signature, possibly 'J.STERNBERG-S' or similar, is present at the bottom left margin, likely identifying the engraver or designer. The overall condition appears to be good for its age, though some slight discoloration or paper foxing might be present given the vintage nature. The intricate details of the uniform, the architecture, and the facial features suggest a high quality of engraving and printing craftsmanship.