French Sower Type Revenue Stamp (1 Centime)

This item is a vintage French revenue stamp, likely from the early 20th century. While it appears to use the iconic 'Sower' design, typically associated with French postal stamps, its primary denomination of '1c' (1 centime) and the prominent 'POSTES' inscription at the bottom strongly suggest it is a fiscal or revenue stamp. The design features a classical allegorical figure, possibly symbolizing Liberty or the Republic, with flowing drapery and wings, holding scales of justice. To her left, a putto or cherubic figure is depicted. The overall composition is intricate, with fine lines and shading indicative of engraving. The colors are predominantly sepia or a muted grayish-brown, with a distinct red overprint indicating the '1c' (1 centime) denomination. The stamp exhibits visible signs of age, including some discoloration and minor wear consistent with its assumed age. The perforations are present around the edges, suggesting it was once part of a larger sheet. The 'R E P V B L I Q V E F R A N Ç A I S E' inscription is visible along the top arc of the design. The quality of printing appears to be good, with crisp details for an item of its type and age, though some areas show slight fading or ink wear. There are no obvious tears or major creases, however, slight creasing may be present due to handling. The exact year of issue would require more specialized philatelic knowledge, but the style is characteristic of French governmental issues from the late 19th or early 20th century.