French Morocco 1935 semipostal set pictures Marshal Hubert Lyautey

Stamp Market Tips by Henry Gitner and Rick Miller

France ruled a part of the north African nation of Morocco as a protectorate from 1912 until 1956. French incursions in Morocco began in 1907, and protectorate status was established by the Treaty of Fez on March 30, 1912.

In 1956 French Morocco and Spanish Morocco were combined to become the independent Kingdom of Morocco. Stamps of French Morocco are popular with collectors of France and area and Morocco.

Marshal Hubert Lyautey (1854-1934) was a frequent subject of French Moroccan stamps. Lyautey can be viewed as the Cecil Rhodes of the French Empire. A life spent in military service in French colonies of Algeria, Indochina, and Madagascar saw him rise in rank from lieutenant to become marshal of France. He served as minister of war from 1916-17 during World War I. But his most successful assignment was as resident-general (the de facto governor) of France in Morocco.

As governor of Morocco, he emphasized infrastructure development and social and economic development of the colony. He promoted the established local order and sought to govern with the local authorities rather than against them.

After his death, his ashes were reposed in a sarcophagus in Rabat, Morocco. After Moroccan independence, his remains were returned to France and placed in the Les Invalides military museum in Paris.

On May 15, 1935, French Morocco issued an attractive set of three Marshal Hubert Lyautey semipostal stamps (Scott B10-B12). The common design features a portrait of Lyautey gazing forth resolutely and serenely. The stamps were printed by photogravure and are perforated gauge 13 by 13½.

The Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue of Stamps and Covers 1840-1940 values the set of three stamps at $65.50 in unused, hinged condition and in used condition. A set in mint, never-hinged condition is valued at $98. The set is a good buy in unused, hinged condition at around $35 and at $50 in mint, never-hinged condition. Used sets are less common, but there is also less demand for them.

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