I Muse...On Another Engraver to Study

I'm fairly certain that I'm not alone in thinking that over the years the French Post has had many, many incredibly talented artists on their payroll engraving stamps. So many in fact that it can be rather overwhelming trying to collect all of their amazing work. My strategy to date has been to choose a particular engraver, and then spent some time getting to know their work and their style. And along the way start putting together the bones of a collection.

***

Most recently I've become intrigued by the work of Jules Piel. I haven't looked at much of his work yet, but what I have seen really impresses me. His first engraving, which was part of a definitive set for Andorra in 1932 is a true thing of beauty. Unfortunately I don't have a copy of the design, which was printed in six values, just yet. But I did find the below image. 

Between 1932 and 1966 Jules Piel was a prolific engraver for both France and her various colonies. For a full bio, check out this blog post HERE. Indeed, many iconic French stamps were the work of this master engraver. Perhaps the most important of these was a set depicting Marshall Pétain, issued in 1941. 

Commencing in 1950, France began issuing a set of stamps on an annual basis with a surcharge to go to the Red Cross. Jules Piel engraved this first set of Red Cross stamps. In fact, he contributed to every set until his retirement from the French postal authority in 1966. And I was delighted to discover that not only did Jules Piel rack up an extensive array of stamps, but he also engraved quite a few banknotes! I must say, I'm really looking forward to delving more deeply into the work of this prolific artist.

Until next time...

France 1941 - Reims Coat of Arms

The city of Reims, located about 130 km to the northeast of Paris, has seen quite a checkered history. From an ally of the Roman Empire to the location of a Christian miracle, and from bloody battles to wine-making. But I get ahead of myself! To proper discover the story of Reims we must jump in the Stamp Crazy Time Machine and travel back over 2000 years. So strap yourself in...

The area that became Reims (also spelled Rheims) was founded by the Gaul tribe known as the Remi and used as their capital. In 80 BC after the Roman conquest of northern Gaul, the area was made a Roman town, called Durocortōrum "round fortress". The Remi people, still living in the town, allied themselves with Rome during Julius Caesar's invasion (58-50 BC). They remained loyal to Rome during the subsequent Gallic insurrections that resulted from the invasion. Their fealty was rewarded, and subsequently the city grew. At the height of Rome's power the population possibly reached somewhere in the region of 100,000. More conservative estimates place it as between 30,000-50,000.

Over the course of the next five centuries the city was the site of several invasions. In 406 it was captured by the Vandals. In 451 Attila the Hun stormed in and put the city to the sword. Then in 496 perhaps one of the most momentous events in the city's history occurred shaping its destiny for centuries to come. Ten year after his victory at Soissons in 486, Clovis, King of the Salian Franks, was baptised in the city in the Abbey of Saint-Remi. He was baptised using the oil of the sacred phial, which was supposedly delivered by a dove from heaven specifically for the occasion. These supernatural events became a symbol for the monarchy's divine right to rule. Over time Reims became the traditional site of the crowning of the kings of France. The crowning ceremonies were held in Notre-Dame de Reims "Our Lady of Reims". This Cathedral is now a World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination.

These days Reims is one of the main centres of Champagne production. In fact, many of the largest production houses in France, known as les Grandes Marques. Interestingly, the city of Reims sits atop a maze of tunnels and caves cut into the chalk. These caves, some dating back to Roman times, are used to store champagne while it ages.

***

On 15 December 1941, France issued the first of two series of semi-postal stamps. The surcharge on these stamps went to National Aid. The theme for the series was Coats of Arms of France. The 3f + 5f Coat of Arms of Reims stamp is the focus of this blog.This stamp was designed and engraved by Pierre Gandon. 

I spent a bit of time researching the Coat of Arms of Reims without much success. So I'm going to hazard a guess as to the meaning of the three main parts of the shield. I have created a key, see the image below, for ease of discussion.

1. These branches are bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), which is used for laurel wreaths. Bay laurel can often be found on a Coat of Arms. They signify victory and glory.
2. Here we have the "fleur-de-lis (sometimes spelled "fleur-de-lys") or "flower of the lily." This symbol, depicting a stylized lily or lotus flower, has many meanings. Traditionally, it has been used to represent French royalty, and in that sense it is said to signify perfection, light, and life.
3. Surmounting the shield is a crown, which usually signifies sovereignty and empire. In this instance it could also refer to the fact that the city was the place where French kings were crowned. The crown here is shaped like ramparts which can symbolise strength and stability.
4. The Coat of Arms motto is Dieu en Soit Garde. This I have been told basically means God, protect us.
5. And the last thing, you will notice on the bottom of the shield on the stamp two crosses. The one on the  right hand side is the Croix de Guerre, and the left one is the Croix de la Legion.

As an interesting little finishing note, I have noticed the Gandon signed his early work for France "P.Gandon".

Until next time... 

France 1941 - Seamen's Relief Fund

Since as early as the 15th Century, France has sent fishing boats to the banks of Newfoundland and Iceland in search of cod. Indeed, by the beginning of the 20th Century some 500 boats carrying more than 10,000 men, braved treacherous seas, frigid temperatures, and the promise of many long months away from home - if they managed to make it home. Injuries, both physical and emotional, were a hazard every fisherman had to contend with. So if the worst were to happen and a fisherman or his equipment - his very livelihood - were damaged in some way, what then would he do? The horrible truth was that before 1894 there was next to no help for these poor souls.

In December 1894 twenty men, led by Fr. Picard, Superior General, met to discuss how to help those seamen whom fate had dealt a cruel blow and were now struggling in one way or another.. From this gathering came the creation of The Society of the Works of the Sea. The organisation, founded in that very year by Dr. Jean-Baptiste Charcot, aimed to help the "material and moral" needs of seamen.

***

On 23 October 1941, France issued a semi-postal stamp to promote The Society of the Works of the Sea. This stamp had a 1f face value plus a 9f surcharge to be donated to the society. This stamp was designed by Paul-Pierre Lemagny and it was engraved by Pierre Gandon. 

By 1941 Gandon had already contributed to several stamps for the colonies, but this beautiful stamp was his first France issue. There are many aspects of this design that I love. The fearless and determined look on the seaman's face. His stocky build which promotes safety and assurance. And his strong, sure hands. I also like the net casually draped over the seaman's shoulder, which indicates he is ready for action! Also the fishing vessel, perhaps bound for Newfoundland, in the background adds an extra touch of interest. 

Until next time...

France 1941 - SS Pasteur

Of Albert Decaris' first four engraved stamps for France three were ships. It seems ships became one of his specialities. In 1941 Decaris engraved his third ship, the SS Pasteur, which, in my opinion, was his best ship engraving to date.

The SS Pasteur had quite a colourful history. The ship's keel was laid in 1938 at Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint Nazaire, France, and on 15 February of that year, the incomplete vessel was christened Pasteur after the French scientist, Loius Pasteur. In March 1939 work on the ship ground to a halt when a fire broke out onboard. As a result of the fire the fitting out of the ship got delayed. By August 1939 the Pasteur was complete. And a beautiful vessel she was. At 212.4m long and 26.8m wide, she had 11 decks and was able to carry 751 passengers.

The ship was completed, as it turned out, right before the beginning of WWII. I mention this because in 1940 she was taken by the British and placed in service by Cunard-White Star as a as a troop carrier and hospital ship. During her service in this role she carried some 300,000 soldiers. Here is an image of her during service.

During the course of her 41 year life from 1939 until 1980 when she sank, the ship had five name changes, earning her the nickname ship-of-five-names.

•      Pasteur (1939-57)
•      Bremen (1957-72)
•      Regina Magna (1972-77)
•      Saudphil (1977-80)
•      Filipinas Saiudi (1980)

In 1980, en route to the ship breakers in Taiwan, the ship sank in the Indian Ocean while under tow. This, I feel, is a more fitting end for the ship. Here is some images of her last moments.

***

Now let's take a look at Decaris' lovely interpretation of SS Pasteur.

Isn't it striking! The ship assumes a truly commanding presence in the water as she ploughs toward her destination with pride.. As with his first ship design The Normandie (click HERE), Decaris here utilises a small sailing boat in the foreground to provide a sense of scale.

As I mentioned earlier this stamp was issued in 1941. Its rate was changed from 70c to 1f with a 1f surcharge to benefit the Society of Sea Works. Apparently there are still some copies of this stamp without the surcharge floating around. I personally have never seen one. I hope if I ever do it'll be for sale!

Until next time...