Pre-stamped postcard - Libonis - International

To mark the 150th anniversary of the postcard in France, La Poste is reissuing 10 cards illustrating the golden age of the postcard (i.e. up to the 1920s) with a stamp used at the time on the reverse, making them ready to mail and travel as pre-stamped cards at the international rate. The first in the series, this Libonis card is highly sought-after. It owes its name to Léon-Charles Libonis (1841-1901). He designed this series of cards at the request of the Société de la Tour Eiffel. It is considered the first illustrated postcard, and was sold at the 1889 World's Fair from August onwards. The illustration depicts the centerpiece of the exhibition, which celebrated the centenary of the French Revolution: "The Eiffel Tower". Mailboxes were installed on each floor, and mail was collected twice a day, stamped with a special postmark.

Carte postale Libonis, copie d’après une carte originale créée en 1889 par Léon-Charles Libonis (1847-1901), collection privée - Droits réservés. Timbre Sage 10c type II (YT89) de 1877, dessiné par Jules Auguste Sage et gravé par Louis Eugène Mouchon. Carte pré-timbrée à validité permanente / La Poste, 2022