Information On France Airmail Stamp C27

Hi there,

I am asking this question on behalf of my mate, who collects French airmail stamps.

Is there a resource that contains information on the French airmail stamp C27? By information, I am referring to details such as printing method, number printed, selvage details, varieties and errors, types of essays and proofs etc.

Thanks in advance!

His first step should be to get hold of the Spink Maury catalogue of France, which is excellent value. It will show him issue numbers, printing method, any major varieties etc. It also lists epreuves de luxe, but not, post-Sage, other proofs.

Some basic information,according to Yvert catalogue :
blueish paper
engraved ("taille-douce")
perf 13
printing number : 1 137 500
sheet of 10 stamps

Just received my copy of Spink-Maury "Catalogue de Timbres de France 2017" yesterday. So am not up to speed on all of the abbreviations used therein.

The stamp was issued on 16 January 1950. The issue is part of the "stylized scenes, cities of France" series. Catalog nbr 29.

Designer-engraver is A. Decaris. (However, believe J Combet is credited as designer for the "cadre du timbre". Which I take to mean the "frame".)

There is a value given for a non-perforated version.

Addtl values "EPA/EPL", "EPL en brun", "EPL papier bleu".

Issued in sheets of 10.

Hope this helps.

As an aside, the Latin phrase at the bottom of the issue translates to "(She) is tossed by the waves but doesn't sink." Paris city motto used since at least 1358. But "credited" in 1853 to Baron Haussmann.

Not exactly a variety,but maybe interesting
Here is your stamp with overprint "500 F CFA" for use in Reunion Island (stamp and deluxe proof)

Thanks for all the wonderful responses. So the next step will be to get a French specialized catalog.

I understand there are 2 such catalogs - Maury (as suggested by GeoffHA) and Yvert (mentioned by vayolene). Which would suit my friend's need better?

I did a search on this forum regarding the 2 catalogs but the relevant threads were all a couple of years old, and so I would appreciate new updated insights.

Thanks!

Given that they're both attractive books and much the same price, Maury wins out on detail - all stamps are shown and there is more information about them (issue numbers, varieties etc).

Does Maury also cover the French colonies (specifically African) in more detail than Yvert? I have the Yvert French colony catalog and it is useful, but not particularly detailed in areas.

There are two Maury catalogues for French Colonies : Europe/Asia (630 pages) and Africa (nearly 1000 pages),more detailed than Yvert

Thank you! Will look for that.

You can purchase the 2018 Maury Spinks catalogue from Amazon for $10.00...for paperback version..
Kindle version also available.

I really need the Africa Maury catalogue but can't find it anywhere. Everywhere it says not available. If anyone can help me, I shall very grateful. Thanks.

It's not so easy to find. I picked mine up from a vendor (stampbooks) in the UK on ebay - 2011 edition. I took a quick look and didn't find any copies listed on ebay at this time.

Spink has copies of earlier Dallay Asia and Africa catalogues, which were, I think, subsumed within Maury

https://www.spinkbooks.com/index.ph...gory&path=88

Thanks Gmot for looking out. I'll probably keep searching and if I find it, should be a lucky one then.




Is the Dallay catalogs same as the ones by Arthur Maury? I have the Asia 2011-2012 (blue colour with 627 pages) and its much more worth the money spent. If Dallay is same as older Maurys then I can go with that. Thanks.