Sites and Monuments

The Sites and Monuments series were not the very first engraved French stamps. That honor goes to Scott B27, the Industry and Agriculture semi-postal for the 'sinking fund' meant to milk stamp collectors' extra cash to keep France itself from sinking after WWI. It was issued and withdrawn in May of 1928. Here is a strip of three that includes each of three types. Look closely at the corner in the frame above the 8.50 surcharge.