Used 10 Centesimi Italian Stamp, Eagle with Crown and Savoy Shield

This is a rectangular, vertically oriented postage stamp featuring a prominent design of an eagle with outstretched wings, surmounted by a crown. The eagle grasps a shield or escutcheon on its chest, which appears to contain a cross, likely representing the House of Savoy. The dominant color of the design elements, including the eagle and surrounding ornate scrolls, is a reddish-brown or terracotta hue, set against a lighter, possibly off-white or cream background. At the top of the stamp, the words "POSTE ITALIANE" are visible in capitalized serif lettering. The denomination "CEN 10" is clearly printed at the bottom center, with 'CEN' being an abbreviation for Centesimi. The stamp exhibits perforation along all four edges, indicating it was separated from a sheet. A heavy, dark ink cancellation mark diagonally crosses the lower half of the stamp, obscuring some of the design and the denomination. This cancellation suggests the stamp has been used for postage. The visible portions of the cancellation mark are black and appear to be a postmark, possibly showing partial letters or numbers, but are illegible due to the heavy application. The overall condition appears consistent with a used stamp of considerable age, with some minor discoloration potentially present in the lighter areas. The clarity of the printed details is fair despite the cancellation.

Based on my visual examination of the provided image of the Used 10 Centesimi Italian Stamp, Eagle with Crown and Savoy Shield, I assess its condition as fair, consistent with a used stamp of considerable age. The prominent cancellation mark, while indicating usage and authenticity as a postal artifact, significantly obscures portions of the design and denomination, which negatively impacts its aesthetic appeal and, consequently, its market value. The perforations appear intact, and the printing details are reasonably clear despite the heavy cancellation. Authenticity of the stamp type itself seems strong, aligning with known Italian issues featuring the Savory Shield. In terms of market conditions, this specific denomination and design are relatively common within Italian philately. While there's a steady demand for classic Italian stamps, heavily cancelled examples like this one typically fetch lower prices. Comparables for common, heavily cancelled 10 Centesimi stamps from this period generally fall into a modest range. Rarity is not a significant factor here; these stamps were produced in large quantities. The heavy cancellation is the most significant factor impacting its value negatively. It is crucial to note that this appraisal is based solely on the provided image. A definitive assessment of authenticity, gum condition (though unlikely on a used stamp), absence of repairs, or hidden faults would require an in-person examination. For full authentication and a more precise value, I would recommend a physical inspection to assess paper quality, watermarks (if applicable to this issue), precise shade variations, and the exact nature of the cancellation, along with a review of any associated provenance documentation.