Austrian KK Newspaper Stamp, 1867 Ferchenbauer Type IIa

Austria · 1867 · 1 Kreuzer

The stamp features a large numeral '1' in the center, encircled by an oval frame with 'K.K. ZEITUNGS-STEMPEL' at the top and 'KREUZER' at the bottom. It bears a distinctive 'fingerhut' (thimble) cancellation from Tolmein.

This stamp served as an early newspaper tax stamp for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, used to prepay the required tax on newspapers. The unique 'fingerhut' cancellation from Tolmein provides specific historical context regarding its postal use.