France Precancel Stamps


Like other precancel stamps, French precancels - or préoblitérés - are stamps that have been cancelled before being affixed to pieces of mail.  Precancel stamps are often used by mass mailers such as advertisers and others conducting direct marketing campaigns because the postal administration usually reduces their price when large quantities are purchased. 

According to Michel, France has issued three different types of precancels, beginning in 1920.  The first two types were overprints with a two line inscription, one of "Postes Paris" and  the other with "Postes France."  Both types have the year printed below.  The third type of French precancel stamp used an overprint of a semicircle with “AFFRANCHts POSTES.”