Overprint Stamp Appraisal

Albania Mirdita Issue Overprint Postage Due Stamp

This item is a postage stamp, likely from the early 20th century, specifically identified as an Albanian issue for Mirdita, featuring an overprint for 'TAKSE' (postage due). The stamp's primary design is a double-headed eagle, a symbol commonly associated with Albania, rendered in a dark green ink against a lighter, possibly cream or off-white, paper background. The eagle is somewhat stylized, with prominent wings and heads, and visible feather details. The central design is enclosed within a rectangular border, also in dark green. Around the central image, within the border, various inscriptions are present. At the top, the word "VETËKEVERRIA" (Self-Government) is visible, flanked by the numeral '5' on either side, indicating a denomination or unit. Vertically along the left side, the word "POSTA" (Post) is printed, and similarly, along the right side, "E MIRDITIES" (of Mirdita) is printed, but it is partially obscured. At the bottom, "QINTAR" is visible, again flanked by the numeral '5' on each side, indicating '5 Qintar' as the face value. A significant feature is the black overprint "TAKSE" in a rough, bold, sans-serif font, which is diagonally applied across the eagle emblem, indicating its function as a postage due stamp. Another black overprint, a vertical bar, obscures part of the "POSTA" inscription and extends into the eagle, making it an additional distinguishing mark. The corners of the stamp also display the numeral '5'. The overall color scheme is muted, dominated by green and black on a light background. The apparent condition shows some signs of age, including potential discoloration of the paper and possible light handling wear. The printing quality appears to be utilitarian, typical of provisional or early national issues, with some slight irregularities in ink application. The edges, while not fully visible, suggest it may be imperforate or has very rudimentary perforations, which would be consistent with stamps of that period and region.