Description: This sharply engraved deep lilac definitive stamp from Czechoslovakia centers on a majestic rendering of Smolenice Castle (Smolenický zámok). The elegant composition frames the stronghold's soaring, multi-tiered octagonal main tower alongside steep gabled residential quarters, fortified stone battlements, and a secondary rounded lookout tower emerging on the right margin. Framed inside a neat rectangular line framework, the country name "ČESKOSLOVENSKO" spans across the upper margin, while the landmark's location name, "SMOLENICE", runs vertically down the right text lane. The prominent "1 Kčs" face value sits centered along the upper section, and the lower border is subtly signed by the original illustrator and plate artisan. A heavy black post office cancellation mark cuts horizontally across the upper third of the layout to record its past operational passage through the domestic transit system.
Circa: Mid 20th Century
Condition: Used - Hinged
Notes:
The castle depicted on this stamp was originally built in the 14th century as a frontier fortress, but it was heavily ruined during the Napoleonic Wars. The romantic, fairytale appearance shown here is the result of a massive reconstruction effort started by the Pálffy family in the late 19th century and finally completed by the state after WWII.