French Stamp Collection Appraisal

French Postage Due and Tax Stamps Collection

This item is a collection of French postage due and tax stamps, appearing to be mounted in a philatelic album or on stock pages. The collection features several distinct stamp designs and denominations. Visible stamps include: 1. **Top Section (Blue Floral):** Several stamps with a blue floral design, likely forget-me-nots, and text 'REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE', 'TIMBRE TAXE', and 'POSTES'. Denominations visible are '0,30' and partially '2', suggesting 0.30 francs and 2 francs. These stamps are perforated and printed in muted blue, grey, and possibly light green tones on white paper. The perforations appear relatively clean, though some corners show slight creasing or handling wear. 2. **Top Left (Blue 1f):** A single blue stamp displaying 'FRANCE', '1f', and 'POSTES E-TAXE'. This stamp features an abstract design of bundled sheaves, similar to the green stamps, but rendered in a solid blue color. It is also perforated. 3. **Middle (Orange Tax Stamp):** A single orange stamp with inverted text 'TIMBRE TAXE', 'POSTES', and 'FRANCE' at the top, and 'POSTES' and 'TIMBRE TAXE' at the bottom. This stamp's design is distinct, possibly an early tax stamp, characterized by its vibrant orange color and inverted text. It is perforated, and its placement seems to suggest it is a standalone item or part of a series not directly associated with the blue floral stamps. 4. **Bottom Section (Green Sheaves):** A block of at least four green stamps, each bearing the text 'FRANCE', '50f', 'POSTES', and 'TIMBRE TAXE'. The central design depicts stylized sheaves tied together, possibly representing agricultural bounty or industry. These stamps are printed in a deep forest green ink on white paper, with red dots between the stamps (likely part of the original album or mounting system). The perforations on these stamps appear crisp and intact. The visible condition suggests generally good preservation, with some minor discoloration to the paper of the larger sheet they are mounted on, indicative of age. No major tears, significant creases, or repairs are immediately evident on the stamps themselves. The collection represents several different series of French postage due or tax stamps, dating from different periods, likely spanning the mid-20th century.