This article was first published in WETS News No.30 and completed in No.32.

David Rosevere states that many collectors incorporate slogans, or 'Flammes' as they are known in France , in their displays but how many know their value? Some were used over a long period of time whilst others only briefly.

Some years ago I obtained copies of some pages from the "Catalogue des Obliterations Mechaniques de France" from the French Postal Museum  which I have found invaluable in tracking down the more difficult examples. Each slogan has a number and the logo, machine type and value are stated.

Many slogans were produced by the stamp artists and a number of philatelic magazines list the latest examples. Then there are the machine types, Daguin, Flier  and SECAP being just a few, my own study of Versailles using these.

I consider the subject to be underrated. How many times do we see examples in a display and pass them off as of little importance. I'm sure someone could compile a decent competition entry using only slogans (complete on cover of course). For those who use the internet, especially 'Delcampe' there are some very good sellers who understand the catalogue and the subject.

The American “FLIER” Machine Cancel Machine was introduced into France in 1898 but was not used at Versailles until the 1920’s with the slogan being placed to the right of the Date Die as shown in the early example right.

The machine lasted into the 1950’s reference the example shown below of a cancel for Trade Week and used for just 3 months.

Some examples are shown left and below of the SECAP Machine all dating from the 1960’s, the Garden Party Cancels were only used during a 2 month period.

The scope for the use of slogan cancels within a thematic exhibit or competition entry is indeed vast and examples can be found from around the world on whatever your subject, you just need to look.

It is interesting to note that most post offices around the world are able to produce nice clean cancels that enhance the mail as opposed to the British Post Office who seem to have a manic desire to obliterate.

Previously I wrote about the 'FLIER' and 'SECAP' types but we must not forget the circle cancels used on normal mail which were modified for use at important events.

One example is the type 04 which was introduced in France in 1904 and was used, in various forms, until late into the century. It was of 27mm diameter and featured the town, department (county) and the date. However, before and during the First World War a number of them were modified to be used to commemorate meetings and exhibitions. The first reported example appeared in July 1904 for a charity event in the town of Le Mans . So far I haven't found one.

The Paris 'exposition de la Cite restituee', which was an architectural reconstruction exhibition, was issued in 1916. They were obviously thinking ahead, the war was still on!

Referring to my own interests, the type 04 cancel was used on mail from the First World War Peace Conference at Versailles and the French Presidential elections held in the same town.

Peace Conference 28-6-19; Election of Raymond Poincare 17-1-13;

Others are very difficult to find, the Versailles 'Exp-Pupilles Nation' which was the conference convened for the treatment of war orphans dated Sept. 1922 is just one example. I have only seen two in ten years, both at overseas events and last November I was fortunate in acquiring one. As you can guess, it was expensive! Then there are the 'telephone' and 'telegraph' marks, some being used for one day only and these are well sought after by collectors.  Collectors of 'Politics', 'Communications' and '1st World War' take note!

These cancels are listed in the Pothian specialised catalogue and all are graded in 'indices' i.e. numbers, the higher numbers being the more valuable. Telegraph and telephone are rated highly. The early examples are around indice 12 which is equivalent to approximately 56 euros (£40). It is possible to find them occasionally in dealer's postal history boxes.