Large numeral cancels in December 1862
Following a test conducted in Lyon between February 20 and 25, 1862, a new type of cancellation mark was introduced in France: the large numerals. These cancellations were based on an updated nomenclature of post offices, which was officially revised in July 1862.
The first post offices to receive and implement these large numeral cancels were those in Algeria, beginning in July 1862. Some overseas post offices adopted them as early as October, while post offices in mainland France had to wait until December of the same year.
The transition was formally announced in Monthly Bulletin No. 88 of December 1862, informing post offices that they would receive the new cancelling stamp "within a few days." It also instructed them to exchange their small numeral cancels in accordance with the revised nomenclature.
Some post offices began using their new cancellations as soon as they received them, as Monthly Bulletin No. 88 did not specify an official start date. Consequently, these large numeral cancels were in use as early as December 1862.
In the Nord department, 24 post offices applied their large numerals between December 19 (the earliest recorded date) and December 31, 1862.
While collectors commonly recognize January 1, 1863, as the official start date, no such date was formally established by the authorities.
Extract from Monthly Bulletin No. 88, December 1862.
Early large numerals in the Nord
