1868 Letter from Issoire with Napoleon III 20c Blue Stamp

France · 1868 · 20 centimes

A complete postal cover from Issoire, France, dated 1868, featuring a 20 centimes blue Napoleon III stamp from 1867. The stamp is cancelled with a large numeral '1845' postmark, and the reverse shows a beaded date stamp from Fournols d'Auvergne.

This cover represents a period of significant postal reform in France under Emperor Napoleon III, showcasing the standard definitive issue of the era and typical postal markings, including the distinctive 'gros chiffres' cancellation.