Lot of France Cérès Napoleon canceled stamps + BYRRH EVIAN advertising stamps

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Detailed Description

This lot of French stamps mainly comprises cancelled Ceres and Napoleon III type stamps, recognizable by their medallion profile effigy against a blue background, typical of the classic period of French philately. The blue stamps at the top of the photo feature the portrait of the Republic (Ceres), with the mention "REPUB FRANC" and a face value visible on some specimens. Several numeral cancellations or round postmarks are clearly visible, indicating effective postal circulation.

The lower part of the lot includes more recent stamps, mostly blue, red, or violet, including several advertising stamps. Notably, there are "République Française" stamps featuring the Sower effigy, with mentions such as "BYRRH", "EVIAN", "TÉTRA", or even "LINGERIE" in the margin, used for brand or product promotion. Some stamps also display the mention "UTILISEZ POSTE AÉRIENNE" (USE AIRMAIL) or "CONTRE LA CHUTE DES CHEVEUX" (AGAINST HAIR LOSS), illustrating the diversity of advertising uses of the period.

Several red 50-centime stamps feature the Sower motif and bear clear cancellations. A block of four red "BENJAMIN" stamps stands out in the center, as well as blue 65 and 90-centime stamps with BYRRH advertising in the margin, including some booklet fragments. The prints are generally well preserved, although there are signs of wear, irregular perforations, or incomplete margins on some specimens.

The chromatic palette of the lot alternates between bright blue, carmine red, violet, and some off-white shades, corresponding to the different issues. The classic motifs (profile, sower, capital lettering) are accompanied by official mentions and advertising slogans, characteristic of stamps from the first half of the 20th century.

The stamps are presented against a black background, facilitating the observation of graphic details, cancellations, and the quality of the perforations. No details are visible regarding the back or the gum, in accordance with the photograph.

Condition

These stamps are used, with visible cancellations and varying states of preservation: some show blunt corners, incomplete perforations, or signs of wear, while others retain a clear impression. The lot is sold as is, as photographed.

Did you know? Ceres and Napoleon III stamps are among the first stamps of France, issued starting in 1849 for Ceres and 1852 for Napoleon. French advertising stamps, particularly those from the 1920s-1940s, were often distributed in booklets by beverage or consumer product brands, a practice that marked French postal and commercial history.

AFW Reassurance

Careful packaging and fast shipping by a professional seller. The item presented exactly matches the photo.

Keywords: cancelled French stamps, Ceres stamps, Napoleon III stamps, advertising stamps, BYRRH, EVIAN, airmail, Sower, philately lot, blue French stamp, French stamps, French advertising stamps