Description: This rare imperforate cinderella stamp hails from the unrecognized Mirdita Republic (Republic of Mirdita), a brief breakaway state located in northeastern Albania. The design features a bold, dark blue handstruck illustration of the traditional Albanian double-headed heraldic eagle positioned squarely at the center against a plain, light-tan cream paper backing. Framing the vignette is an intricate grid format, with the top segment inscribed with the text "VETËKEVERRIA" (Self-Government) and the right frame displaying "E MIRDITIËS" (of Mirdita). The left frame bears the label "POSTA" (Post) while the bottom compartment states the currency unit "QINTAR". The numerical denomination 25 is explicitly repeated within dedicated square boxes flanking all four outer corners of the typography grid. Notably, this specific specimen bears a heavy, black, hand-stamped typographic overprint reading "TAKSE" angled across the eagle's body, which was intended to designate the label for postage due usage.
Circa: 1921
Condition: Unused - hinged
Notes:
This unique item is categorized in modern philately as a Cinderella stamp or an unissued local fantasy label because it was never legally authorized for postal transit. Historical records indicate that while the localized rebellion led by Gjon Markagjoni was quickly suppressed by the central Albanian government, an enterprising merchant or agent likely ordered these plates printed in Munich, Germany, strictly to sell them directly to unsuspecting international stamp collectors. Because the legitimate postal use of these Mirdita stamps is widely considered to be non-existent, any examples showcasing circular town cancellations or complex envelopes from Oroshi are viewed by experts as entirely philatelic fabrications. Furthermore, collectors must exercise high caution when acquiring this specific issue, as a massive wave of coarse, ungummed lithographic reprints flooded the hobby market in later years, making verified original specimens with fine details highly prized historical curiosities.