German Canned Food Production and Welfare Surcharge Stamp

This item is an antique German postage stamp, likely from the early 20th century, specifically depicting a surcharge for welfare and children's aid. The stamp is predominantly orange with white and black detailing. The central image, rendered in white, features a person, possibly a female figure, kneeling and tending to a plant, symbolizing agricultural labor or growth. To their right, a spade is depicted, further emphasizing themes of cultivation or industry. In the top right corner, the numeral '12' is visible, followed by 'm', likely indicating the stamp's face value (12 Mark). A small star is positioned above the kneeling figure. Below the central orange block, the text 'Deutsches Reich' (German Empire) is printed in white, framed by an ornate wavy border. Beneath this, in what appears to be black or dark blue ink, is additional text in a decorative gothic script: '8 Mark für Alters- und Kinderhilfe', which translates to '8 Mark for old age and child welfare'. This indicates a charitable surcharge component to the stamp's value. The stamp appears to be perforated along its edges, a characteristic of postage stamps designed for separation from a sheet. The visible condition suggests some discoloration or aging of the paper, consistent with its likely age. There are no obvious tears or significant damage visible in the provided image, but minor foxing or toning may be present upon closer inspection. The printing quality appears consistent with early 20th-century philately, with generally clean lines and good registration. The design reflects a blend of allegorical imagery and clear governmental and charitable indications.