France – Scott # 350, used

Description

This France commemorative stamp, Scott #350, issued in 1938, depicts a traditional woman from the Champagne region, celebrating regional costume, culture, and identity. The issue reflects France’s emphasis on provincial heritage during the interwar period, highlighting the diversity of regional traditions within the nation.

The design features a smiling woman wearing an elaborate lace headdress and traditional dress, holding a champagne flute as a symbol of the region’s famous wine production. The portrait is rendered in finely engraved line work, with careful attention to facial expression, textile detail, and decorative elements. The intricate headdress and flowing garments create a sense of elegance and cultural pride.

Typography and framing are balanced and restrained, allowing the portrait to remain the focal point of the design. Regional identification is subtly included, reinforcing the stamp’s role as both a cultural tribute and a work of graphic art. The overall composition combines realism with idealized presentation, characteristic of French commemorative engraving of the period.

Issued with a 75 centime denomination, the stamp was intended for regular postal use. This example is offered in used condition, showing evidence of normal circulation. Used copies are especially appealing to collectors of French regional costumes, cultural themes, and engraved twentieth-century commemoratives.

Scott Catalog Number: 350
Denomination: 75 centimes
Year of Issue: 1938
Condition: Used
Country: France