Republic of France Stamps overprinted FM

Indochina, Republic of France Stamps overprinted FM, 1901; In 1901 the French military changed the postal administration of military mail. Instead of allowing each common soldier to send as many cards or letters to friends or family as they liked (by simply applying the military unit cachet and/or the signature of the officer in charge on the mail item) the military began overprinting Republic fo France stamps with the letters “FM” (= Franchise Militaire) and handing out overprinted stamps twice a month to common soldiers. J. Desrousseaux reports that they were in use from 1901 trough 1914 and again from 1919-1939. He also stated: “It is not easy with Indochinese cancellations”. (SIC Journal Nr. 6, February , 1972).

Single franking of the FM overprinted 15C French orange-brown stamp on a military letter sent from Hanoi to France in August of 1902. Military administrative cachet on front and reverse. Transported by the Paqebot “Ligne N Nr. 6” as indicated by the octogonal ship cancel on front. “Mute” military Corps de Expeditionaire cancel on front. French arrival cancel on the reverse.

Single franking of the FM overprinted 15C French yellow-brown stamp on a military letter sent from Saigon to France in August of 1902. Military administrative cachet on front. French arrival cancel on the reverse. The letter was received by the French post in damages condition which was remarked on by the French postmaster on the reverse along with a red wax seal and his signature. Unusual.

Single franking of the FM overprinted 15C French stamp on a military letter front sent from Saigon to France in February of 1904. Military administrative cachet on front.

Single franking of the FM overprinted 10C French stamp on a military letter sent from Hanoi to France in November of 1913. Transported by the Transiberian Railway line to Beijing-Moscow-Berlin as prominently indicated on front.

Single franking of an FM overprinted 10C French stamp on a military postcard sent from Hue to France in April of 1914.

Single franking of the FM overprinted 10C French stamp on a letter sent from Dong Va to Hanoi in August of 1921. Cao Bang, Quang Ba (rare!), Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang transit cancels and French arrival cancel on the reverse.

Single franking of the FM overprinted 10C French stamp on a letter sent from Bac Ninh to Haiphong in August of 1925.

Single franking of the FM overprinted 10C French stamp on a letter sent from Hai Phong to Francei in July of 1929. French arrival cancel on the reverse.

Single franking of the FM overprinted 65C French stamp on a letter sent on August 19th, 1939 from Saigon to France. French arrival cancel on the reverse.