Niger
1972 On November 23, 1972, the Republic of Niger issued a set of air mail stamps in honor of Jean de la Fontaine, including FC, LM, and "The Singe et le Leopard." The official post office turned these new stamps into a set of envelopes reflecting the style of the newly issued stamps. I have also come by a set of proof specimens of the three stamps and a set of two imperforates.
Niger La Fontaine Stamps
1972 Three individual stamps issued by the Republic of Niger. 25F, 50F, and 75F, respectively. In honor of Jean de La Fontaine. $4.84 from Filkom NV, Bornem, Belgium, through eBay, Oct., '08.
I had earlier found these three stamps in three more unusual forms: imperforates, proofs, and first day issue envelopes. Now, at last, I have found good specimens of the three stamps themselves. Click on an individual stamp to see a more detailed illustration.
Niger FDC Envelopes
Niger French Proofs
1972 Two imperforate stamp proofs for stamps to be issued by the Republic of Niger. Each is marked "Imprimerie des Timbres-Poste - France." 25F and 50F, respectively. In honor of Jean de La Fontaine. $10.75 from Collect+, The Hague, The Netherlands, through eBay, Oct., '02.
The surprise for me in these two proof-sheets lies in the little note in the bottom corner: "Imprimerie des Timbres-Poste - France." Does France print Niger's stamps? These two proofs are as good a printing of the stamps as I have seen. Both stamps seem to include three colors, black, brown, and green. A strong brown foreground seems to stand against a sketchier green background.
Niger Imperforate Set
1972 On November 23, 1972, the Republic of Niger issued a set of air mail stamps in honor of Jean de la Fontaine, including the three imperforate proof specimens pictured below. $5.95 from Roger Lemieux, Fort Worth, TX, through eBay, August, '05.
First, "Le Corbeau et le Renard," 25 F. Second, "Le Lion et le Rat," 50 F. Third, "Le Singe et le Léopard," 75 F. The stamps in each case seem to include three colors, black, brown, and green. A strong brown foreground seems to stand against a sketchier green background.