France ~1870 Ceres 20c Blue - Left Frame - Type And Report Idenification

Good Morning,

I have a France ~1870 Ceres 20c - with a left frame issue that requires type and report identification if possible please.

France ~1870 Ceres 20c Blue - Left Frame - Type and Report Idenification



Thank you for the help!

I'm no expert, but my copy of Yvert & Tellier, Catalogue Spécialisé des Timbres de France, 1975, suggests that your stamp is Type I, Report 2. See scan, block 12.

Here's a better look:

Isn't this the 1871 French Colonies issue?

Look at the "U" in "REPUB"

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Colonies...AOSw0P5eStnC

This is not a Bordeaux Issue.It is most likely the imperf 1870 20c colonies stamp and not the 1870 Siege of Paris 20c perfed issue (Trimmed ).
These stamps were printed in sheets of 300 with 2 columns of 150 stamps.

The scanned image did look too fine to be lithographed. So, am I correct in thinking that if both typographed and imperf, a Cérès blue, 20c must be a colonial issue? Are there other distinguishing design features? Neither Scott nor my copies of Y&T provide any (e.g. the "U" of République that GeoffHa mentions).

And, since this is not a Bordeaux stamp, where does that leave Souldjer777's question about the deformed left frameline?

I find that these colonial Cérès stamps were printed from the plates of 1849-50, but can't find any mention of constant variétés.

Constant varieties exist but one needs a specialized guide.Older Suarnet
catalogs show some varieties for the Yt.37 1870.The colony stamp (Yt.12 Imperf.) was from the same plates re-printed in 1871.The plates were by this time worn out.Plate reconstruction of Yt.37 has been achieved.

Philatelists décades ago have found similarities with constant galvano flaws with the 20c black of 1849.It was assumed that certain galvanos were used for Yt.37.thus we can assume for Yt.12(Colonies) also.
It is difficult to say if this is a constant variety or a galvano flaw which was replaced quickly once discovered during the printing.
In any case it is an interesting variety.
____________________________________________________________________
Below half of panel D4 (150 stamps) for the 20c black 1849 & 20c blue of 1870.The numbers refer to the position in the sheet.
Most of the numbers refer to breaks in the outside frame.The depiction of the breaks and their lengths are quiet precise in the reproduction.

Many thanks, Perf12. My eyes have been opened yet further to the complexities of these very lovely early issues. And my interest further piqued. Souldjer777 will no doubt be as grateful for your help with his OP.

Yes! I am absolutely grateful! Thank you very much - who could ask for better responses - thank you perf12 and EMaxim!!!