France – Scott # B83, hinged

Description

This France semi-postal stamp, Scott #B83, issued in 1939, was produced to benefit the orphans of employees of the French Ministry of Posts, Telegraphs, and Telephones (P.T.T.). The issue reflects France’s use of semi-postal stamps to provide targeted social assistance through everyday postal use on the eve of World War II.

The design features a detailed architectural rendering of the Ministry of P.T.T. headquarters, shown in strong perspective to emphasize scale, order, and institutional stability. Clean lines and balanced proportions convey a sense of modern administration and public service, reinforcing the role of the P.T.T. as a vital national infrastructure.

Printed in a blue-green tone, the stamp has a calm and formal appearance appropriate to its civic purpose. The inscriptions clearly identify both the charitable intent and the combined postal and surtax values, with the additional charge designated specifically to support orphaned dependents of P.T.T. staff.

Issued with a 90 centime postal value plus a 35 centime surtax, the stamp was intended for regular postal use while raising funds for social welfare. This example is offered unused with original gum and a hinge mark. Hinged copies remain desirable to collectors of French semi-postals, social welfare issues, and interwar-era commemoratives.

Scott Catalog Number: B83
Denomination: 90c + 35c surtax
Year of Issue: 1939
Condition: Unused, hinged
Country: France