This 15 centimes bistre stamp originates from the standard Indo-Chinese issue of the early 20th century, part of the widely used “Navigation and Commerce” series designed by Louis-Eugène Mouchon. The stamp features allegorical representations of Trade and Commerce seated on either side of a tablet bearing the denomination, underscoring the role of colonial infrastructure in enabling commercial flow. What distinguishes this example is the large violet overprint “AR” — Avis de Réception — a marking indicating that the stamp was used as part of a return receipt service, a rare and highly specialized postal function within the colonial network. The overprint is struck boldly across the top and center, accompanied by a boxed cancel and numerical characters likely referencing a registry system. The carmine “INDO-CHINE” inscription remains legible, tying it firmly to French Indochina. Measuring approximately 20 x 24 mm and printed typographically on lightly toned paper, the stamp is perforated 14 x 13½. The reverse shows extensive hinge disturbance and residual adhesive, consistent with archival removal or repurposing, and also carries bleed-through from the purple cancellation. Though not formally listed in major catalogues under a separate number, this “AR” marking is a known postal rarity, especially on higher-value definitives, and it reflects the bureaucratic precision of French colonial mail systems in Southeast Asia.
Estimate "$85 – 120"