France - 1871-75 15c Bistre, Ceres Issue - Imperforate - Any Comments?

I found this in a small lot of classic France. Its margins seem too big to be a trimmed-down perforated stamp. It has small faults, nick at top and it appears someone tried to punch a central hole in the stamp, much like the old telegraph or revenue punches.

On checking my Maury catalogue I see it is known imperforate but not priced used.

Any France experts out there who could enlighten me on what I have, merci beaucoup en avance.

Not an expert, but this is the French Colonies (petits chiffres) issue of July 1872.

Also no expert, but agree with GeoffHa.
As for the question, why does Maury say that Imperf examples are known, though without price for used: I find the following in my copy of Yvert Specialisé, v 1:



Translation of the most relevant lines: "After 20 July 1871, the only difference between French colonial stamps and those used in France itself was that the former were imperforate. … Stamps for the colonies were taken from French stocks before perforation or, if there were no extra imperforates of the right denomination to hand, they were specially issued as such."

Therefore, I presume that some of these imperforates destined for the colonies remained behind in France but couldn't be used for domestic postage.

Thanks to all for the replies. If I'm to understand correctly, it's most likely a French Colony use but the exact country is uncertain. Aside from the ink colour, the Reunion cancel is similar.

I was hoping to put together a basic collection of classic France, but am starting to realize she is a complex and seductive mistress...

GeoffHa is correct - French Colonies 1872 issue, Scott #10

Archerg, yes classic France is quite seductive, but a basic collection need not be complex. The Bordeaux issues are challenging but many of the other 19th century stamps are inexpensive with shade and postmark interest galore!

Several colonies used similar lozenge patterns. There are differences in the number and shape of the points. They have not all been traced to specific post offices. Marks for Guadeloupe and for Pondichery are as uneven as the one in the original post here.