Behr Philately

Dear Collectors,

What a journey it has been since our beginnings!
For this 61st Mail Auction, we wanted to make a lasting impression.
Your loyalty and passion remain the driving force behind our commitment, and it is thanks to you that we have been able to create a catalogue of exceptional richness.

This sale is not just a philatelic event—it also marks an important milestone in the history of our house: BEHR is now the first French auction house to accept cryptocurrency payments. A way of combining tradition and innovation, just as we like to do.

On the French classics front, rarity lovers will be delighted: prestigious tête-bêches such as the 25c Cérès mint—one of only three known examples—or the 1 franc Cérès used, a striking block of 25 of the 25c Empire imperforate with frame lines, not to mention numerous dramatic cut pieces, including a quarter of the 80c Empire laureated. And that’s just the beginning! The Franco-Prussian War of 1870 also takes center stage, with a careful selection of balloon mail, exotic destinations, a remarkable letter carried by the legendary smuggler PELVILAIN, and a substantial section focused on Alsace-Lorraine.

Modern variety enthusiasts will also have plenty to discover, including an example of the Anthurium without inscription (no. 1738)—known in only two copies—and the mysterious souvenir sheet no. 10, from which three colors have gone missing… though none of its philatelic appeal has disappeared.

French colonies offer their share of gems as well, notably from Morocco, with a magnificent and rare collection of Maghzen postmarks. And for those of you who love to travel: head to the Commonwealth, where our cover highlights a unique item—an exceptional block from Fiji, originating from the legendary Ferrari collection. A dedicated article will soon shed more light on this rarity. Still in the southern hemisphere, you’ll also find a chapter devoted to the elegant triangular stamps of the Cape of Good Hope.

Finally, a broader European and global journey awaits: three of the four iconic Moldavian Bull’s Head issues (Romania) are featured, along with a dense, diverse, and compelling chapter on Colombia.

All these treasures—and many more—are ready to be discovered in our catalogue. We will also spotlight them in our biweekly newsletters, now available directly on our website. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for here… perhaps it simply hasn’t been issued yet.

Enjoy exploring—and once again, thank you for your continued trust!