France Precancels stamp year 1922 5c Orange

France Precancels stamp year 1922 5c Orange MH

French Precancel Stamps (1910–1930) were issued as part of a practical approach to facilitate large-scale bulk mailing. These stamps were pre-canceled (pre-affranchis) by the postal authorities before being sold to businesses, allowing them to bypass the cancellation process when mailing significant quantities.

Key Characteristics:

1. Design and Appearance:
   • Early precancels often used standard definitive stamps, primarily from the Sower (La Semeuse) series designed by Louis-Oscar Roty.
   • The precancel markings typically consisted of horizontal bars, sometimes accompanied by the word “AFFRANCHISSEMENTS” or the location name.
2. Usage:
   • These stamps were sold at discounted rates to businesses for bulk mail such as advertising materials, invoices, or catalogs.
   • They were invalid for regular individual mailing and required special permission for use.
3. Notable Periods:
   • 1910s: The earliest precancels were simple and often featured overprints on stamps from the Sower series.
   • 1920s–1930s: More organized issues with clearer markings and increased production as businesses expanded their mailing operations.
4. Rarity:
   • Some early issues, especially from small towns or with specific overprint styles, are highly collectible.
   • Variations in overprint positioning or type can also make certain precancels rare.
5. Collectibility:
   • French precancels are a niche area of philately with enthusiasts focusing on:
     • Regional variations in markings.
     • Error stamps, such as misprints or misaligned overprints.
   • Collectors often classify these stamps by the type of precancel, the issuing location, and the stamp’s base design.