Prince Umberto Stamp Appraisal

1930 Italian Postage Stamp - Royal Wedding Commemorative for Prince Umberto and Princess Marie José

This is a horizontal rectangular postage stamp from the 'Poste Italiane' (Italian Post) issued to commemorate the marriage of Prince Umberto of Savoy and Princess Marie José of Belgium. The stamp is printed in a dark slate-gray or brownish-black ink on a cream-toned paper. The central vignette features a profile double-portrait of the royal couple looking toward the left. To the left is a royal coat of arms and the date 'VIII GENNAIO MCMXXX-VIII' (January 8, 1930), which corresponds to their wedding date. The face value is listed as '1,25 + 0,25 LIRE,' indicating a surtax for charity. This charity is specified at the bottom edge with the text 'PRO CROCE ROSSA' (For the Red Cross). A smaller Savoy crest appears in the upper right. The stamp is presented within a protective black mount inside a philatelic album. The printing exhibits the fine engraving quality typical of the early 20th-century Italian State Printing Office. Condition appears to be 'hinged' or 'mounted' within a collection; perfs (perforations) are visible at the edges and appear relatively intact, though slightly soft. No heavy cancellations or visible creases are evident from this angle, suggesting a previously used or mint-hinged specimen that has been well-preserved.