Used Washington 2-Cent Red US Postage Stamp

A used US Postage stamp, likely from the early 20th century, specifically part of the Washington-Franklin series. This small rectangular stamp is printed in a carmine or reddish-pink ink and features a left-facing profile of George Washington within a circular frame, set against a background of laurel leaves. The text 'U.S. POSTAGE' is printed vertically along the right side, with the denomination '2 CENTS' visible on the left. The stamp has been cancelled by a machine-applied black wave killer-bar postmark, signifying it was processed through the mail system. Physically, the stamp shows visible perforations along all four edges, although the centering appears slightly off, shifted toward the right side. It is adhered to an ivory or cream-colored paper fragment, which appears to be a portion of an original mailing envelope. The paper shows rough, torn edges on the top and right side, consistent with a cut-out or piece of stationery. There is noticeable yellowing or age-related toning to the paper and the stamp itself, along with minor creases and wear to the paper base. The engraving quality is typical of the early 1900s flat-plate or rotary printing processes used by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.