The history of France’s postage stamps is marked by significant events and design changes reflecting the country’s political transformations. Here is a brief overview:
Early Years (1464-1849)
- The first French mail service was established in 1464 to serve the King and the Royal Court.
- In 1490, the Counts of Thurn and Taxis set up an international service.
- The mail service in France developed gradually and was eventually made available to everyone in 1603.
- By 1789, the whole country was covered with a postal network, and relationships with neighboring countries were established.
First Stamps (1849-1852)
- The first French postage stamps were issued on January 1, 1849, featuring Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture.
- These stamps were inscribed “REPUB FRANC” and were used during the Second Republic.
Napoleon’s Empire (1852-1870)
- Napoleon III was declared Emperor in 1852, and stamps depicting his portrait replaced the Ceres design.
- The inscription “EMPIRE FRANC” appeared above Napoleon’s portrait in 1853.
- The design was further modified in 1863 with the addition of a laurel wreath to glorify Napoleon’s military victories.
Third Republic and World War (1870-1878)
- The Franco-Prussian War led to the defeat of France, and the Third Republic was declared.
- During the war, stamps were printed in Bordeaux using plates from the 1849-1852 issue.
- The Ceres design was reintroduced, and the stamps were printed in Paris during the siege.
Post-War Developments (1878-1900)
- After the war, a new series of stamps was ordered in 1875, featuring a design by Jules-August Sage, which united Peace and Commerce.
- This design, known as the Sage series, continued until the early 20th century.
Colonial and International Developments
- France’s colonial empire expanded, and stamps were issued for various colonies and territories.
- The French Postal Administration operated post offices in several countries using French stamps.
Philatelic Societies and Resources
- The France & Colonies Philatelic Society of Great Britain and the France & Colonies Philatelic Society (USA) provide extensive resources and programs for collectors.
- Various books and articles, such as “The Pigeon Post into Paris 1870-1871” by J.D. Hayhurst O.B.E. and “French Postal History–Part 1” by Louis XV, offer detailed insights into French postal history.
These developments reflect the significant changes in French politics and the evolution of the postal system, which have shaped the country’s postage stamps over time.