{"product_id":"lot-timbres-france-classiques-obliteres-ceres-et-napoleon-iii-philatelie","title":"Lot of classic canceled French stamps Ceres and Napoleon III philately","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAFW - Antique France Worldwide\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDetailed visual description\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis lot brings together a set of classic French stamps, visible on a black-backed philatelic album page. We can mainly distinguish cancelled stamps issued under the effigies of Ceres and Napoleon III, characteristic of the Second Empire period and the beginning of the Third Republic. The most numerous stamps are blue, with the legend \"EMPIRE FRANC\" or \"REPUB FRANC\" and the face value \"20c\", typical of Ceres and Napoleon III issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the top of the page, several examples show orange, bistre or lilac colors, with identifiable effigies and similar legends, as well as a perforated example with the number \"113\" and other dot cancellations. The cancellations are in the form of round postmarks, diamond-shaped dots or numbers, typical of 19th-century French cancellations, sometimes well-centered, sometimes partially covering the portrait.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stamps are presented with their visible borders, some perforated, others not. The shades of blue vary slightly depending on the examples, ranging from light blue to a deeper blue. Several cancellations are clear and legible, including one with the mention \"SALON\" and a handwritten date. Some examples show signs of wear or slight discoloration, visible in the photo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe diversity of face values, colors and types of cancellations reflects a typical selection from the first decades of French philately. No modern stamps are visible in this lot, each piece being from the classic period, identifiable by its design and the typography of the time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lot is strictly limited to what is visible in the photo: about thirty stamps arranged on one side of an album support, with no indication of the back or any other pages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis lot consists of used stamps, all cancelled, with traces of use, sometimes covering cancellations, sometimes incomplete perforations or irregular edges on some examples. The general condition varies from good to fair, consistent with classic stamps that have circulated. Sold as is, as visible in the photo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid you know?\u003c\/b\u003e Ceres and Napoleon III stamps were among the first issued in France, from 1849 for Ceres and 1852 for Napoleon III. Their typography, colors and varied cancellations make them a reference in French postal history. The famous \"diamond-shaped dots\" cancellation was used to cancel stamps in most post offices in the 19th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAFW Reassurance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCareful and fast shipping, secure packaging. Professional seller specializing in philately and antique items.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eKeywords: classic French stamps, 19th century cancellations, Ceres, Napoleon III, French postage stamp, philately lot, stamps France, blue stamp 20c, diamond-shaped dots cancellation, Empire stamp, old stamp album, philately France\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AFW","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54315039752519,"sku":"51121-1a077c8a-b97b-45f1-a762-276fb511a760-PA3.81","price":34.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0989\/5152\/8775\/files\/s-l1600_c98d13e6-2f56-4890-ab51-9617330b9946.jpg?v=1783588765","url":"https:\/\/shop.antiquefranceworldwide.com\/en\/products\/lot-timbres-france-classiques-obliteres-ceres-et-napoleon-iii-philatelie","provider":"AFW","version":"1.0","type":"link"}