Lot of cancelled French stamps, 19th and early 20th century, various values, philately

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This lot comprises a collection of antique French stamps, all postmarked, carefully presented on a black sheet with horizontal strips. The set includes about thirty stamps, all clearly from the 19th century to the very beginning of the 20th century, recognizable by their classic effigies and their "REPUB FRANC" or "POSTES" inscriptions. Among the visible values, one can notably distinguish 15c, 25c, 50c, and a few other values, with colors ranging from pale green to blue, including orange, pink, and light brown. Several stamps bear circular postmarks, with date indications between 1895 and 1907, and names of French cities such as Rouen, Tours, Paris, or Lyon, clearly legible on several postmarks.

The majority of the stamps have a classic rectangular format, with perforations all around. The designs are characteristic of the period, some featuring the republican profile or allegories typical of France of the Third Republic. Printing details are also observed, such as framed value figures, textured or smooth backgrounds, and "POSTES" inscriptions at the top or bottom depending on the issues. One copy is still stuck to a fragment of paper.

The colors are generally well preserved, although some shades are slightly faded by time and postal use. The postmarks, often clear and circular, attest to effective postal circulation. No stamp appears new or uncancelled on the visible side. The diversity of values and colors makes this lot interesting for those looking for different issues from the classic French period.

Some stamps show signs of wear, including folds, creased corners or incomplete perforations, which is common for specimens of this era and use. Some copies also have small missing parts on the edge or traces of adhesive on the back (not visible here). The set remains homogeneous and well presented for a quick reading of the postmarks and graphic details.

The black sheet on which the stamps are arranged is not included in the offer (unless otherwise stated in the lot), it is used for presentation for the photo. The set corresponds to a lot of period stamps, all used, with a nice diversity of postmarks and face values.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Traces of wear, blunted corners or incomplete perforations possible. All stamps are cancelled and show a patina related to their postal circulation.

Did you know? French stamps from the late 19th century, such as those visible here, are often called "Sage type", after the engraver Jules-Auguste Sage. They were issued from 1876 and are recognizable by their allegorical motifs of the Republic. Dated cancellations sometimes make it possible to trace precisely the postal journey of each stamp, an aspect appreciated in philately for the study of old postal routes.

AFW Reassurance

Careful packaging and fast shipping in a rigid envelope. Professional seller, experience and seriousness guaranteed for each shipment.

Keywords: cancelled France stamps, French philately lot, 19th century stamp, early 20th century stamps, cancellati