Lot of France Semeuse and Ceres stamps in orange, violet, and blue blocks

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This lot comprises a collection of French stamps displayed on an album page, primarily consisting of blocks of four stamps. The majority of these stamps feature the famous Semeuse (Sower) design, an iconic figure in French philately, recognizable by her stylized silhouette scattering seeds. Several colors are represented: orange, blue, purple, red, and pink, each marked with a different face value (e.g., 0.25 F, 0.50 F, 0.90 F, 1 F, 10 F). Some blocks show a clearly visible black surcharge, indicating a change in value or later use. There are also two blue blocks featuring Ceres, an emblematic female profile on French stamps, as well as dark blue Semeuse-type stamps in duplicate.

The blocks are carefully aligned, most still attached to their original backing, allowing appreciation of the perforations and margins. The inscriptions "RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE" and "POSTES" are legible on each stamp, confirming their origin. The face values are clearly printed and vary from block to block, adding diversity to this lot. The color nuances, ranging from intense blue to carmine red, vivid orange, and pale purple, offer a beautiful visual array for any enthusiast of classic French stamps.

The stamps are mostly uncancelled on the visible side; no postmark or cancellation marks are observed in the provided image. The margins and perforations are generally regular, although some corners appear very slightly blunted, without visible tears. The surcharges present on some stamps are clear and legible, mainly in black, adding further interest to the collection.

The white background highlights the crisp colors and designs, facilitating identification of types and printings. The blocks are neatly positioned, suggesting methodical storage. A notable detail is the presence of separation strips on some blocks, typical of printing sheets from that era.

The lot includes stamps of different face values, allowing for an exploration of various historical postal uses. The coexistence of Semeuse and Ceres designs is also notable, representing two major series in French postal history, appreciated for their aesthetics and historical significance. No other designs or effigies are visible on the presented side.

Condition

Used item sold as is. The visible stamps show good overall freshness, vibrant colors, and clear inscriptions. Some very slight traces of wear or blunting on some margins, without any major apparent defects. The mounting supports are visible in the photo.

Did you know? The Semeuse design, created by Oscar Roty in 1897, is one of the most enduring symbols of French philately. It was used on many stamps between the late 19th century and the 1940s, representing the advancing Republic and agricultural prosperity. Surcharges were often applied to modify the face value during rapid tariff changes.

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