This stamp, issued in October 1899, is part of the definitive “Navigation and Commerce” series used throughout French colonial territories. The design, by Louis-Eugène Mouchon, features allegorical male and female figures representing trade and maritime power, seated beside the colonial arms. Printed typographically in yellow-green with a bold red overprint reading “INDO-CHINE,” the stamp reflects the colonial adaptation of the standard French colonial template for use in Indochina. It was printed on colored paper without watermark, perforated 14 x 13½, and measures 20 x 24 mm. The stamp was produced by the Imprimerie Nationale in Paris and served as a staple of colonial postal usage in Southeast Asia. The cancel, partially reading “TRA…” suggests inland use, adding postal authenticity. It is catalogued as Michel FR-IC 17, Yvert 17, Scott FR-IC 7, and Stanley Gibbons FR-IC 23.
Estimate "$10 – 18"