Vintage Mexican Stamp Appraisal

Mexico 1942 Observatorio Astrofísico de Tonantzintla Stamp

This item is a postage stamp from Mexico, likely issued in 1942, commemorating the inauguration of the Observatorio Astrofísico de Tonantzintla. The stamp is predominantly light brown or off-white with design elements in dark blue and orange-red. The central and largest portion of the design features a dark blue rectangular panel depicting a celestial image, specifically labeled as 'GALAXIA ESPIRAL EN LOS PERROS DE CAZA' (Spiral Galaxy in Canes Venatici), showcasing a detailed spiral galaxy. Above this panel, in orange-red text, is 'ASTROFISICO DE TONANZINTLA'. Vertically along the left edge, also in orange-red, it reads 'INAUGURACION DEL OBSERVATORIO'. The bottom portion of the stamp indicates its denomination: '10 CORREOS 10 CENT MEXICO CENT'. A smaller, very faint line of text below this likely indicates the printing house, possibly 'TALLERES DE IMP. DE EST. Y VALORES MEXICO'. A significant feature is the presence of a postal cancellation mark on the right side, oriented vertically, which clearly shows 'FEBRERO DE 1942', confirming its usage date. The stamp exhibits perforation along all four edges, indicating it was separated from a sheet. Visible condition issues include some light wear and discoloration consistent with its age and use, particularly an ink mark from the cancellation that partially obscures the text on the right side. The paper appears to have yellowed slightly over time. The overall appearance suggests a used, circulated stamp with historical significance related to Mexican astronomy.