from the Preface to The Bordeaux Issue of 1870-1871 by Ruth and Gardner Brownfrom the Preface to The Bordeaux Issue of 1870-1871 by Ruth and Gardner Brown
The Bordeaux issue of France during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 is without doubt one of the most interesting in the entire world of philately.
The stamps of France had been printed in Paris but Paris was under siege from 18 September, 1870 to 28 January, 1871. Realizing no more stamps could be supplied from the Capital, the Director of Posts notified the Mint at Bordeaux to begin production of stamps there. Forced to improvise under the circumstances, it was decided to utilize a lithographic process. Delbecque, head of the Mint contacted the local firm of Auge-Delille, specialists in lithography, to prepare an example of their work. This was executed by Dambourgez, a respected artist but one who had no experience with lithography. Then they called in Leopold Yon an artist with experience in the process.
The process worked well and produced a number of individual designs and reports with a minimum of problems. One should remember that up to this point the Mint had no experience making the very small designs or working with the papers and inks to produce stamps. The collecting and study of this issue, with its varieties and uses, can be a lifetime passion.
This work by Mr. and Mrs. Brown, the first in English, is a summary of everything known about the issue at this time. I would wish success for its wide distribution; and hope that many more English-speaking collectors come to know this remarkable issue.
Dr. Jacques FROMAIGEAT
Signer, The Roll of Distinguished Philatelists,
Vice President de l'Academie de Philatelie, Paris