1915 Italy Red Cross Semi-Postal Stamp (Poste Italiane Croce Rossa 15c + 5c)

This is a vertical rectangular monochromatic postage stamp from Italy, printed in black ink on a light cream or off-white paper. The design is rich in national and humanitarian symbolism, characteristic of early 20th-century philately. At the top, the text 'POSTE ITALIANE' is prominently displayed in a bold, serif font. Below this header, a central circular badge contains a Greek cross, flanked by laurel leaves and topped with a royal crown. The central figure is a large, heraldic eagle with spread wings, representing the Kingdom of Italy, bearing a Savoyan shield on its chest. The eagle stands atop a base labeled 'CROCE ROSSA' (Red Cross). The denomination is split: the upper section shows 'CENT. 15' (15 centesimi for postage), while the lower right corner shows '5' centesimi (the surcharge for the Red Cross during WWI), totaling a 20c payment. Regarding condition, the stamp is shown in a close-up photograph; the edges appear straight, suggesting it may be from a proof sheet or has been trimmed, as perforations are not clearly visible in this specific frame. The printing shows slight bleed and heavy ink saturation consistent with period typography. The paper exhibits a fine texture and minor tonal aging, typical for stamps produced around the 1915-1916 period. It represents a significant historical artifact from the First World War era, used to raise funds for medical aid.