Water Buffalo Stamp Appraisal

Netherlands Indies 3 Cent Stamp, Water Buffalo and Paddy Field

This item is a postage stamp from the Netherlands Indies, with a denomination of 3 cents. The stamp features a central vignette depicting a rural scene, likely in Southeast Asia, with significant details. In the foreground and middle ground, a water buffalo is prominently featured, possibly pulling a plow or working in a paddy field, indicative of agricultural life. Behind the buffalo, there appears to be a figure, likely a farmer, tending to the animal or the field. The background includes lush tropical vegetation, possibly rice paddies or dense foliage, and possibly distant mountains or hills, suggesting a natural, perhaps mountainous, landscape. The color scheme is predominantly dark green on a lighter background, giving it a classic, perhaps intaglio-printed look. The denomination "3" is clearly visible in a large, stylized font within a dark green rectangular panel in the lower-left corner, positioned above the word "CENT". Below this, in a larger dark green horizontal bar, the text "NED. INDIE" is displayed in white, sans-serif capitalization, indicating its origin. The stamp exhibits perforation along all edges, a standard feature of postage stamps, though some wear or minor damage to these edges is visible, particularly on the right side where some perforations seem slightly torn or less defined. The overall condition appears to be used, possibly with a light cancellation mark over the "3 Cent" area, which also shows some discoloration or smudging. The printing quality suggests a well-executed design for its time, with fine lines and intricate details in the landscape and figures. The style points towards an early to mid-20th-century era, common for colonial stamps depicting local scenes and industries.