Lot of France used stamps Empire Republic, Ceres, Sower, 19th century

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This lot consists of a collection of old French postage stamps, all visible in the photograph. The stamps are presented on a black page with horizontal strips. Several classic issues are discernible, mainly from the 19th century: most show effigies of the French Empire (profile of Napoleon III) and the French Republic (Ceres type), with a majority of canceled stamps, recognizable by the presence of numeral or dot cancellations, typical of French cancellations of the period.

The color palette includes shades of orange, green, carmine, lilac, bistre, and brown. Several face values are visible, including 1c, 2c, 4c, 5c, 10c, 15c, 20c, 25c, 30c, 40c, and 80c, from the Empire and Republic issues. All stamps have perforated margins, indicating issues after 1862, the period when perforation was introduced in France.

Various types are also observed: some stamps bearing the effigy of Ceres (female profile), others of Napoleon III, as well as some examples of the "Sower" series (though fewer in number). Several cancellations are in diamond-of-dots or numeral formats, typical of 19th-century French post offices, sometimes accompanied by circular date cancellations.

Some stamps show signs of wear, slightly blunted corners or edges, as well as variations in cancellation intensity. A few examples show signs of handling or age-related patina, which is common for this type of old philatelic material. No new stamps are visible in the photo; all appear to have circulated.

The lot presentation allows for observing a diversity of face values, colors, and cancellation types, offering a faithful overview of 19th-century French philately. No complete text or serial number is entirely legible, but the mentions "EMPIRE FRANC" or "REPUB FRANC" appear on the majority of stamps, confirming their origin and issue period.

Condition

Used items, sold as is. Several stamps show signs of use, prominent cancellations, and some aesthetic defects typical of their age.

AFW Reassurance

Careful packaging and fast shipping by a professional seller specializing in antique philatelic items.

Keywords: France canceled stamps, Empire stamps, Republic stamps, Ceres, Sower, old French stamps, stamps France, philately lot, 19th century postage stamp, dot cancellation, Napoleon III, philately France