It seems we all have a favourite engraver or two and we often see comments comparing the different styles. To me, it mostly boils down to taste but I do like those French sets where each stamp is designed and engraved by a different person. It really allows you to compare their styles from a common base. Such a set is this one from 1955 showing French Inventors.

Philippe Le Bon, inventor of gas illumination. Designed and engraved by Claude Hertenberger SG 1239, Scott 757

Thimonnier and Sewing Machines. Designed and engraved by Rene Cottet. SG 1240 Scott 758

Appert and Food Canning. Designed and engraved by Henry Lucien Cheffer. SG 1241, Scott 759

Sainte-Claire Deville and Aluminium. Designed and engraved by Albert Decaris. SG 1242, Scott 760. I've said before how I like Decaris' strong confident lines. I really like the composition on this stamp as well. He really packs a lot into such a tiny space.

Martin and Steel. Designed and engraved by Pierre Gandon. SG 1243, Scott 761. As you would expect from Gandon, this is an outstanding portrait.

Chardonnet and Artificial Silk. Designed and engraved by Charles Mazelin. SG 1244, Scott 762. I've said before that I think Mazelin has been under-rated as an engraver. I don't think the vermilion and carmine-red work well together in this one though.