French India – Navigation and Commerce

In 1892, the first stamps specifically for French India were issued. These stamps featured the general “Navigation and Commerce” designs, which were common across all French colonies. They were marked with the inscription “Établissements de l’Inde” (Establishments of India) and depicted illustrations of ships and allegorical figures representing trade and navigation. The denominations were printed in French centimes and francs. They were designed by Louis-Eugène Mouchon and printed at Imperial Printing Office (Imprimerie Nationale), Paris

These initial stamps were identical in design to those used in other French colonial territories, with the inscription being the only element indicating their use for French India. The “Navigation and Commerce” series was available in various colours and denominations.

A change in currency and the ensuing stamp shortage led to the definitive stamps of 25c and 50c overprinted with denominations 0.05F, 0.10F, 0.15F, and 0.40F (French franc). A revenue stamp was also overprinted 0.05F and used as a postage stamp. All these stamps were previously designed by Louis-Eugène Mouchon and printed at Imperial Printing Office (Imprimerie Nationale), Paris.