Semeuse Albert Decaris Appraisal

French Sower (Semeuse) 10 Centime Postage Stamp

This item is a French postage stamp, likely from the early 20th century, featuring the iconic 'Sower' (Semeuse) design. The stamp is rectangular with perforated edges, indicative of its function as a philatelic item. The dominant color is a vivid red, serving as the background for the central image. The design depicts a stylized figure of a woman, rendered in white, scattering seeds, which is a classic allegorical representation of France as a productive and fertile nation. Words 'REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE' are faintly visible along the top edge, though partially obscured by cancellations. The denomination '10 C' indicating 10 centimes is clearly visible in the lower left corner. The stamp bears heavy black ink cancellations across its surface, suggesting it was used for postage. These cancellations obscure much of the detail of the central figure and some textual elements. The perforations appear relatively intact, though some wear or softening around the edges is possible due to handling or age. The overall condition suggests a circulated item, with the cancellations being a prominent feature. The quality of the printing appears consistent with mass-produced governmental issues of its era, featuring a balance of fine lines for detail and solid color fills for the background. The design itself is a hallmark of French philatelic history, adopted widely during the Third Republic.