Lot of old French stamps French Republic blocks color varieties

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This lot features a set of antique French postage stamps, visible on a philatelic album page. Several series from the French Republic are observed, mainly in blocks of four, with various face values. The colors are well differentiated: black, brownish-red, orange, green, purple, blue, red, and bistre, highlighting the diversity of French issues from the beginning to the first half of the 20th century.

At the top of the page, there are two blocks of 4 black 1c "POSTES" stamps, followed by two blocks of 4 brownish-red 2c stamps, then two orange blocks of 4 5c stamps. A block of 4 green 5c stamps completes this first line. Below, two blocks of 4 reddish-brown 1 franc stamps, "POSTES RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE" type (Sower), are accompanied by a block of 4 reddish-brown 2 franc stamps, some of which have a printed margin with a visible sheet number.

The lower part of the page contains several "Sower" and "Pasteur" series in different colors and values. Notably, there are two blocks of 4 purple 35c stamps, two vertical strips of 4 orange 10c stamps, two blocks of 4 blue 25c and 50c stamps, as well as green (30c) and red (45c) blocks featuring Pasteur. Each block or strip is carefully arranged, allowing for a clear view of the typical designs and inscriptions of the period.

Some stamps show slight traces of oxidation or yellowing, mainly on the margins, while the perforations remain generally clean. The inscriptions "RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE" and "POSTES" are legible on each stamp, with additional mentions of the face value in centimes or francs. The diversity of colors and designs, particularly the presence of the "Sower" and "Pasteur" types, testifies to a pivotal period in French postal history.

This lot is ideal for observing printing differences, including color nuances, typography, and presentation in blocks. The stamps are uncancelled on the visible side, and no hinges or glue marks are visible on the front. The overall condition shows good alignment of the blocks, with some visible signs of age on certain specimens.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Possible presence of traces of age, yellowing, or oxidation on some margins. Visible sides are uncancelled and perforations are generally well-preserved.

Did you know? "Sower" stamps were designed by Oscar Roty and are emblematic of French philately, used from 1903. The portrait of Pasteur on stamps was introduced in the 1920s, paying tribute to the famous French scientist.

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Keywords: France postage stamp, antique stamps, block of 4, sower, Pasteur, French Republic stamps, philately lot, French stamps, stamp lot, uncancelled stamps, stamp album, France stamp varieties, philately France