France 5 Centimes Waterman Pen Advertising Postal Currency (Timbre-Monnaie)

France · 1920 · 5 centimes

This unique French postal currency, known as a 'timbre-monnaie', features an advertisement for Waterman Ideal Pens, distributed by Kirby, Beard & Co Ld in Paris. Issued around 1920, it served as a 5 centimes denomination during a period of currency scarcity.

These items, often referred to as 'monnaie de nécessité' or 'notgeld', were privately issued during times of economic instability or coin shortages in the early 20th century, functioning as emergency money while also serving as advertising for businesses.