World War Ii Philately Appraisal

French 'Pour Nos Soldats' Philatelic Stamp - World War II Era

This is a philatelic stamp issued by France, likely during the mid-20th century, specifically associated with the 'Pour Nos Soldats' (For Our Soldiers) series. The primary image depicts a soldier in a military helmet, sitting with a rifle, looking into the distance. The soldier appears to be in a tropical or arid environment, possibly North Africa or an overseas colony, indicated by palm trees and what looks like distant buildings or a fort in the background. The color palette is monochromatic, primarily in shades of gray or sepia, suggesting a solemn or stark tone. The stamp is perforated on all four sides, indicating it was part of a larger sheet. Across the top, the text 'POUR NOS SOLDATS' is clearly visible. Along the left vertical edge, 'POSTES' is written. In the lower left corner, the denomination '1F + 50c' is displayed, which signifies a surcharge likely intended to raise funds for soldiers or war efforts. In the upper right corner, a stylized 'RF' (République Française - French Republic) can be seen. Below the main image, centered, there is text that appears to be the artist's name, 'M. CHEFFER'. The overall condition of the stamp appears good, with crisp edges and clear printing, although the image quality is somewhat limited by the provided photograph. There are no obvious tears, creases, or major discolorations visible, suggesting it has been preserved reasonably well. This stamp would be considered a semi-postal stamp, issued to raise additional revenue for a specific cause, characteristic of stamps issued during wartime or periods of national need. The design evokes a sense of duty and perhaps the challenges faced by soldiers during a conflict, making it a significant historical artifact.