The website Postal Stories is dedicated to an in-depth exploration of postal history, with a particular focus on the Nord department in France. Its primary objective is to provide enthusiasts, researchers, and the curious with a rich and detailed resource on various facets of French philately and postal services.
Among the major themes addressed are numeral cancellations used between 1852 and 1876. The site offers a detailed analysis of the "Petits Chiffres"(Small numerals) and "Gros Chiffres," (Large numerals) explaining their use and evolution over time.
Another significant section is devoted to the French local tariff, introduced in 1830. This part traces the history of the establishment of the local postal service in France, detailing the associated postal markings and the applied rates.
The site also delves into specific historical periods, such as the German occupation from 1914 to 1918. Through the example of the Valenciennes district, it explores the impact of the occupation on postal services, the peculiarities of correspondence of the time, and the postal markings used.
In addition to these main sections, Postal Stories offers a variety of other topics related to postal history. Among them are articles on the reuse of stamps, registered letters, the border tariff between France and Belgium, and specific postmarks such as "Après le Départ" or "Via Alsace." These contributions provide a diverse and in-depth view of the multiple aspects of philately and postal services.
About
Postal Stories
Numeral cancels
The Small and Large Numerals were used as cancellations in France between 1852 and 1876.
Local postage rate
The introduction of the local postal service in 1830 was a major innovation in France.
Postmarks are much more than mere marks indicating that a letter has been processed; they are windows into the world of the postal system. They tell the history of the post office, mail delivery, and the countless individuals and businesses that relied on them.
Fascinating stories behind postmarks
Valenciennes
1914-1918
Using the example of the VALENCIENNES district, discover the German occupation's postal history during World War I.