Three Pies Stamp Appraisal

Edward VII 'Three Pies' India Postage Stamp

This item is an antique Indian postage stamp, specifically a 'Three Pies' denomination featuring King Edward VII. The stamp is rectangular in shape, approximately 2 cm wide by 2.5 cm tall, with perforated edges indicating it was part of a sheet. The primary color is a deep, muted blue or gray-green, printed on what appears to be light cream or off-white paper. The central vignette prominently displays a left-facing profile bust of King Edward VII, depicted wearing a crown and regal attire, enclosed within a circular frame. Above the portrait, arced across the top, are the words 'INDIA POSTAGE' in capital letters. Below the portrait, also in an arc, is the denomination 'THREE PIES'. Flanking the central portrait, on both the left and right sides of the stamp, are rectangular panels each containing '3 Ps' in numerals and letters, indicating '3 Pies'. The design incorporates ornate filigree work and decorative scrolls around the central image and text, characteristic of early 20th-century philately. The overall impression is one of intricate detail and traditional engraving. Visible condition issues include slight discoloration or toning of the paper, consistent with age. The perforations appear largely intact, though the top-left perforation is slightly chipped or torn. There is a faint, handwritten 'S' or '5' in pencil or ink on the left margin of the paper, adjacent to the stamp, which is not part of the stamp itself but is visible on the sheet it's affixed to or cut from. The stamp exhibits a generally good state of preservation for its age, without significant creases or major repairs visible. The style and subject matter firmly place it within the British Raj period in India, likely dating from the early 1900s, specifically during King Edward VII's reign (1901-1910). The quality of printing suggests typical government-issued postage, with clear lines and good registration, indicative of professional craftsmanship.