Literary Stamp Appraisal

1940 10-Cent Mark Twain Commemorative Postage Stamp

This item is a 10-cent United States postage stamp, commemorating Mark Twain, issued in 1940 as part of the Famous Americans series (Scott #869). The stamp is characterized by its sepia-toned or dark brown coloration on off-white paper, giving it an antique aesthetic. It features a portrait of a distinguished-looking Mark Twain, with his characteristic bushy hair and mustache, depicted within an oval frame. The oval frame is ornate, featuring decorative elements on its sides. Below the portrait, within the frame's base, there is a small inscription, though too indistinct to read clearly from the provided image. The top border of the stamp clearly displays the text "UNITED STATES POSTAGE" in a serif font. In the lower right corner, an ornate cartouche contains the numeral "10" prominently, with the word "CENTS" written underneath in smaller letters. The entire design is enclosed within a rectangular border. The stamp exhibits perforation along all four edges, indicating it was intended to be separated from a sheet. The condition appears to be uncancelled, suggesting it is unused, though there is a faint, dark smudge or marking visible near the top right edge, outside the main design but on the perforated border. There are no obvious tears or significant creases visible, and the printing quality appears sharp for its age, showcasing good craftsmanship in its engraving. Its stylistic elements, featuring classic portraiture and ornate lettering, are typical of early 20th-century postage stamp design.