French Post China Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About French Post Offices in China Stamps
French Post China refers to the postal administration operated by France within treaty ports and concessions in China, primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This administration functioned under the broader framework of the French colonial empire, utilizing French postal conventions and often operating concurrently with the Imperial Chinese Post. Stamps issued for these offices typically bear French inscriptions, often alongside Chinese characters, and reflect the period of European extraterritorial rights before the eventual handover of these services. The postal history is intrinsically linked to the complex geopolitical landscape of treaty-port China.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- East Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1894 – 1922
- Languages:
- French, Chinese
- Currency:
- FRF
- Parent issuer:
- France
Stamp Catalogs
French Post Offices in China stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular French Post Offices in China Stamp Series
Surcharged French General Issues (1894-1900)
Early issues consisting of French stamps (Ceres, Sage, Blanc) surcharged with Chinese characters and/or new values for use in China.
Type Sage with 'CHINE' Overprint (1902-1907)
French 'Sage' type stamps overprinted 'CHINE' (China) to denote their specific use in the French post offices in China.
Merson Type with 'CHINE' Overprint (1907-1922)
French 'Merson' type stamps, depicting a female allegory of France, overprinted 'CHINE' for use in the French offices in China.
French Post Offices in China Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value depends heavily on the specific overprint, condition, and whether it's on cover. Early surcharged issues and high values are generally more sought after. Forgeries of overprints are common, so expertization is often recommended for valuable items.
How to Identify French Post Offices in China Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying French Post Offices in China stamps:
- 1 Look for French stamps (Ceres, Sage, Merson, etc.) with overprints such as 'CHINE' or Chinese characters indicating value or origin.
- 2 Examine the cancellation marks, which often include the name of the French post office in China (e.g., 'SHANGHAI CHINE', 'PEKIN CHINE').
- 3 Check for watermarks (e.g., 'R.F.' for République Française) and perforation details consistent with French issues of the period.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are French Post China stamps?
French Post China stamps are postage stamps issued by the French postal administration operating within treaty ports and concessions in China from 1894 to 1922. These stamps were primarily French issues overprinted with 'CHINE' or Chinese characters, or surcharged with new values, for local use.
Are French Post China stamps valuable?
The value of French Post China stamps varies significantly. Common issues can be found for a few euros, while rare overprints, high values, or stamps on original covers can fetch hundreds or even thousands of euros. Condition, specific overprint variety, and authenticity are key factors in determining value.
How can I identify French Post China stamps?
You can identify French Post China stamps by looking for French stamp designs (like the Ceres, Sage, or Merson types) bearing overprints such as 'CHINE' or Chinese characters. Cancellation marks often indicate the specific French post office in China. For precise identification and to distinguish genuine items from forgeries, consider using a stamp identifier app or consulting a specialized catalog.
Which catalogs list French Post China stamps?
French Post China stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (under 'French Offices in China'), Michel (under 'Französische Post in China'), and Stanley Gibbons (under 'French Post Offices in China'). Specialized French catalogs may also provide detailed listings.
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