1955 People's Republic of China Military Service Postage Stamp (50 Fen, Navy)

This is a rectangular postage stamp from the People’s Republic of China, specifically part of the 1955 'Military Post' (Jun Ren Tie Yong) series. The stamp features a central portrait of a sailor in the People's Liberation Army Navy, wearing a traditional white sailor's cap with a red star and a striped undersuit, holding a submachine gun. The artwork is executed in a monochrome black/dark grey lithographic or typography style over an off-white or yellowish paper base. The lower left corner displays the denomination '50分' (50 Fen), while the bottom horizontal border contains the Chinese characters for 'China People's Post'. The item shows distinct signs of circulation, most notably a heavy, partial circular black ink cancellation mark or 'postmark' sweeping across the sailor's face and upper right corner. The edges are perforated, though the perforations show some minor fuzzing and unevenness consistent with age and typical paper quality of the mid-20th century PRC. The paper has developed a slight creamy patina over several decades, though there are no visible major tears or repairs. The graphic design reflects the socialist realism art style prevalent in China during the Mao Zedong era, emphasizing national military strength. This stamp was part of a specific set issued for use by military personnel, which were later withdrawn and replaced, making them notable pieces for collectors of Chinese philately.