This stunning stamp, issued in 1955 by France, commemorates one of the most remarkable chapters in postal history: the use of balloons for mail delivery during the Siege of Paris in 1870. Featuring a detailed illustration of a hot air balloon preparing to carry mail, this stamp captures both the ingenuity and the resilience of human communication under extraordinary circumstances.
This broadsheet, illustrated with various pigeon scenes, details all the balloon trips taken during the Siege of Paris. Albert Tissandier/Library of Congress/LC-USZ62-12733
Overview of the Stamp
- Denomination: 12 francs + 3 francs surcharge.
- Design: Created by A. Séréres, the stamp depicts a scene from 1870, with a hot air balloon ready for mail transport amidst soldiers and postal workers.
- Commemoration: The stamp was part of the annual Journée du Timbre (Stamp Day), a French tradition celebrating the importance of philately and postal services.
- Purpose of the Surcharge: The additional 3 francs supported the promotion of philately and postal history.
The Balloon Post History
The Siege of Paris during the Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871) gave rise to one of the most creative solutions in postal history: balloon post. As Prussian forces encircled Paris, traditional mail routes were blocked, cutting off communication between the capital and the rest of France. To overcome this challenge, the French government devised an extraordinary plan: using hot air balloons to transport mail out of the besieged city.
Key Facts About Balloon Post:
- First Flight: The first balloon, Neptune, departed Paris on September 23, 1870, carrying official dispatches and mail. This marked the beginning of a groundbreaking postal service.
- Total Balloons Used: Between September 1870 and January 1871, 66 balloons carried over 2.5 million letters out of Paris.
- Challenges: Navigating enemy territory was perilous, and weather conditions often made flights unpredictable. Some balloons were blown off course, landing in unintended locations, including neighbouring countries like Norway.
- Innovations: Each balloon carried trained pilots, mailbags, and sometimes even pigeons for further mail distribution. The mail was written on thin paper to reduce weight, maximizing the amount that could be transported.
- End of Service: The balloon post ended with the lifting of the siege in January 1871, but its legacy endured as a symbol of resilience and innovation.
Historical Significance
The balloon post service demonstrated the lengths to which people would go to maintain communication during wartime. It was a testament to human ingenuity and determination, overcoming technological and logistical challenges to ensure the flow of information.
A postcard of the Monument to the Aeronauts and Pigeons of the Siege of Paris.
Appeal to Collectors
The 1955 Balloon Post stamp is a prized addition to any philatelic collection for several reasons:
- Historical Resonance: It celebrates one of the most fascinating chapters in postal history, combining innovation with a powerful story of survival.
- Artistic Design: The detailed illustration and historical accuracy make it a standout piece for collectors of postal history-themed stamps.
- Commemorative Value: As part of the Journée du Timbre series, it holds special significance for philatelists who value stamps celebrating the postal service.
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