The Universe of Maximum Cards

The Universe of Maximum Cards website is a digital resource dedicated to Maximaphily, a branch of philately recognized by the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP). It provides a guide for collectors on understanding, creating, and studying Maximum Cards (MC), emphasizing the principle of maximum concordance which requires harmony between the card's image, stamp, and postmark. More information is available on The Universe of Maximum Cards website.

Miximumkarten Katholische Kathedrale in Freiburg im Breisgau

 

Yt:DE-FB 13

Edition Verlag Erwin Burda

Maximumkarten Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

 

Yt:DE-BE 92

Edition Echte Fotografie

MaximumKarte Worms am Rhein, Dom

 

Yt:DE-FRP 8

Edition Trinks & Co.

Maximum Card Worms Cathedral

 

Yt:DE-FRP 8

Edition Gebr. Metz, Kunstanstalt, Tübingen

Maxicard Campaign Against Leprosy - Padre Bento

 

Yt:BR 669

Edition unknown

Postal Máximo Padre Manuel da Nobrega

 

Yt:BR 477

Edition unknown

Postal máximo Jubileu Sacre Coeur Brasil

 

Yt:BR 701

Edition unknown

Postal Máximo Cristo Rei

 

Yt:BR 686

Edition Foto Postal Colombo

Postal Máximo Padroeira do Brasil

 

Yt:BR 587

Edition Cromocart

Postal Máximo Madre Joana Angélica de Jesus

 

Yt:BR 815

Edition unknown

Carte Maximum Juan Ruiz de Alarcón y Mendoza

 

Yt:ES 801

Edition Les Maximaphiles Français

Maxicard Santo Cristo LePanto

 

Stamp: Spain – Correios – Commemorative stamp for the "1st International Philately Congress (CIF-60)" in Barcelona, depicting the "Santo Cristo de Lepanto." The design features the image of the crucified Christ in red/pink tones against a greenish background. Issued in March 3, 1960, this stamp is part of a series celebrating the philatelic congress and highlighting Barcelona's religious and historical heritage.

Postmark: Barcelona – 1er Congreso Internacional de Filatelia – Circular cancellation dated March 3, 1960 (-3 MAR 60), featuring the "CIF" logo and stylized olive branches. The marking is specific to the event held in the Catalan capital, confirming its postal use during the congress period.

Postcard: Sepia-toned postcard reproducing the "Historic and Miraculous Image of the Santo Cristo de Lepanto," venerated in the Cathedral Basilica of Barcelona. The central composition focuses on the Gothic sculpture of the crucified Christ, accompanied on the side by an illustration of the galley "La Real" of John of Austria, linking the image to the historic Battle of Lepanto. 

Concordance

Thematic: There is perfect thematic harmony between the stamp and the postcard, as both depict the same iconic figure: the Santo Cristo de Lepanto venerated in Barcelona. The inclusion of the galley on the postcard reinforces the historical context that gives the image its name, while the stamp uses it as a symbol for the local philatelic congress.

Geographic: The spatial coherence is absolute, uniting the origin of the image (Barcelona Cathedral), the location of the congress (Barcelona), and the origin of the cancellation postmark, all situated within the same Spanish city.

Temporal: The cancellation dated March 3, 1960, is fully compatible with the stamp's issue date (March 1960) and the period of postal validity for this specific event, establishing an exact chronological relationship between all elements.

Maximum Card Pilar y Ebro - Zaragoza

 

Yt:ES 570

Edition M. Arribas

1936

Maximum Card San Antonio Maria Claret

 

Yt:ES 823

Edition unknown

Issued on:

1951-09-09

Emissão filatélica 120 anos Livraria Lello - Porto

 

Pagela

Portugal 2023 Marcador Livro Macaco Versus Coelho marque-pages Bookmark Porto Editora Editora (Jamie Smart)

 

Portugal 2007 Marcador Livro O Beijo Carmesim marque-pages Bookmark Editora Quinta Essência (Lara Adrian)

 

Emissão filatélica Arquitetura Religiosa

 Noticiário Filatélico n.º 56/2025

Despacho nº 00282025CE - Lançamento da emissão Arquitetura Religiosa em Portugal

37.º Aniversário da Casa do Benfica - 3.º aniversário da secção de filatelia

 

Arte Deco

 

Carlos Paredes 1925 / 2025

 

Carte postale maximum Monseigneur Affre

 

Yt:FR 802

Edition Hébé

Maxicard Father Rafael Almanza

 

Yt:CO 555

Edition unknown

Maximum Card La Rábida - Huelva

 

Edifil ES-HUL 30

Stamp: Spain – Charity stamp “Para las Cocinas Económicas de Huelva – La Rábida”, 5 céntimos, perforation 10¾, issued in 1937 by the Junta de Auxilios Alimenticios. The stamp depicts the Monasterio de La Rábida, a historic site closely linked to the province of Huelva.

Postmark: Huelva – circular postmark dated October 1937, corresponding to the period immediately following the official introduction of the charity stamp for postal use, as authorized by the municipal agreement of 10 September 1937 and announced publicly on 16 September.

Postcard: Monochrome sepia‑toned postcard showing a panoramic view of the Monasterio de La Rábida, surrounded by vegetation and overlooking the nearby water landscape. The printed caption at the lower margin reads: “4. HUELVA. – Rábida, Monasterio.” (Edition unknown).

Concordance:

– Thematic: The stamp depicts the Monasterio de La Rábida, and the postcard portrays exactly the same historical monument from a compatible visual and cultural perspective. This creates perfect thematic alignment through the exact correspondence of subject and setting.

– Geographic: The postmark originates from Huelva, the same locality where the monastery is located and the same administrative territory responsible for creating and authorizing the charity stamp for postal use. Thus, stamp, postcard, and cancellation share complete geographic coherence.

– Temporal: The 1937 cancellation coincides with the officially authorized period of postal use of the charity stamp, introduced after the municipal agreement of 10 September 1937 and publicly announced on 16 September. The October 1937 postmark therefore provides correct temporal correspondence within maximaphilic standards.

HUELVA y Provincia -  Sellos benéficos

Maximum card Mariazell (Styria)

 

Yt:AT 703

Maximum Card Leipzig spring fair 1940 - Great technical and construction trade fair

 

Yt:DR 666

Edition Phonopostkarte Alte Wege, Leipzig

Maxicard Wroclaw City Hall

 

Yt:DR 610

Leipzig spring fair 1940 - Market square and old City Hall

 

Yt:DR 665

Edition Kupfertiefdruck

Generalgouvernement Adolf Hitler

 

Yt:DE-GO 88

Edition Echte fotografie

Adolf Hitler

 

Yt:DE-GO 84 MiNr. 73

Edition Echte fotografie

Winter Relief: Modern Buildings - Germany Hall, Berlin

 

Yt:DR 586

Edition Echte Fotografie

1936-10-26

Maximum Card 250 Years Berlin Academy Of Science - Wilhelm von Humboldt

 

Yt:DD 18

Stamp: Germany – Deutsche Demokratische Republik (DDR) – Commemorative series “250 Years Berlin Academy of Science – Wilhelm von Humboldt”, 8 Pf, carmine‑red, showing an engraved portrait of Wilhelm von Humboldt associated with the tercentenary celebration of the Academy of Sciences in Berlin. (Issue: 10.07.1950)

Postmark: Germany – Commemorative postmark “DEUTSCHE AKADEMIE DER WISSENSCHAFTEN ZU BERLIN – 250 JAHRE” – 09.12.1950

Special cancellation created for the 250th anniversary of the Berlin Academy of Sciences. Its commemorative inscription directly relates to Humboldt’s role in the institution, clearly distinguishing it from a standard circular date stamp.

Postcard: Monochrome printed illustration presenting a classical portrait drawing labelled “WILHELM VON HUMBOLDT – Goethes Freunde. IV.” The depiction follows the traditional academic portrait format associated with early 19th‑century German cultural editions, highlighting Humboldt’s likeness in a detailed half‑length composition. (Edition: unknown)

Concordance:

Thematic: The thematic concordance is outstanding, as all three elements focus on the same historical figure and his scholarly legacy: the stamp honours Wilhelm von Humboldt in connection with the Berlin Academy of Sciences, the postcard presents a portrait of Wilhelm von Humboldt, and the commemorative postmark marks the 250th anniversary of the same institution. Together, these components converge precisely on Humboldt and his academic contributions, forming a perfect triple concordance fully aligned with maximaphily standards.

Geographic: The thematic commemorative stamp, the Berlin Academy anniversary postmark, and the cultural portrait postcard are all connected to Berlin, the city central to Humboldt’s intellectual and institutional activity. This ensures geographic coherence in full accordance with FIP maximaphily guidelines.

Temporal: The postmark date (09.12.1950) occurs within the normal postal validity period of the 1950 commemorative issue, ensuring proper temporal concordance for a maximum card produced during the same year as the stamp’s release.

Maxicard Old Town Hall, Leipzig

 

Yt:DD 231

Stamp: Germany – Deutsche Demokratische Republik (DDR) – Commemorative series “Recovered Historic Buildings – Old Town Hall, Leipzig”, 15 Pf, violet, depicting the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), a landmark Renaissance building in the historical centre of Leipzig. (Issue: 14.11.1955)

Postmark: Germany – Commemorative illustrated postmark “LEIPZIG – LEIPZIGER MESSE” – 08.03.1956. Special cancellation showing a stylised representation of the Old Town Hall of Leipzig, corresponding precisely to the architectural subject depicted on the stamp and on the postcard. The presence of the illustration identifies it clearly as a commemorative or special postmark, not a standard circular date stamp.

Postcard: Monochrome photographic illustration depicting the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) in Leipzig, presented in a frontal panoramic view that emphasises the length of the Renaissance façade, the arcaded ground floor and the central tower with its characteristic cupola. The image reflects the documentary architectural style typical of mid‑20th‑century German publishers. (Edition: Graphokopie)

Concordance:

Thematic: The thematic concordance is outstanding, as the stamp depicts the Old Town Hall of Leipzig, the postcard presents a photographic view of the same building, and the commemorative illustrated postmark features the identical architectural subject. Together, these three elements align perfectly around the same landmark, forming a triple concordance fully compliant with maximaphily standards.

Geographic: All elements — stamp, commemorative illustrated postmark and postcard illustration — are directly linked to Leipzig, the exact locality represented. The “LEIPZIG – LEIPZIGER MESSE” special cancellation reinforces geographic authenticity, entirely in accordance with FIP maximaphily criteria.

Temporal: The postmark date (08.03.1956) falls well within the valid postal usage period of the 1955 issue, ensuring proper temporal concordance for a maximum card produced with a commemorative stamp circulating over multiple years.

Maximum Card City Gate of Wangen

Yt:DE-FWH 16

Stamp: Germany – Württemberg‑Hohenzollern – Definitive series “Personalities and Views from Württemberg‑Hohenzollern (II) – City Gate of Wangen (Ravensburger Tor)”, 10 Pf, brown‑sepia, depicting the Ravensburger Tor, the historic gate‑tower of Wangen im Allgäu. (Issue: July 1947)

Postmark: Germany – Commemorative illustrated postmark “WANGEN (ALLGÄU)” – 31.01.1949

Special cancellation showing a stylised depiction of the Ravensburger Tor, matching precisely the architectural subject represented on both the stamp and the postcard. 

Postcard: Monochrome photographic illustration showing the Ravensburger Tor in Wangen im Allgäu, framed from the town square with the foreground fountain and surrounding traditional buildings. The tower’s clock, painted façade and arched passageway are prominently featured, reflecting the classic documentary style of mid‑20th‑century German view cards. (Edition: Gebr. Metz)

Concordance:

Thematic: The thematic concordance is exceptional, as the stamp depicts the Ravensburger Tor, the postcard presents a photographic view of the same monument, and the commemorative illustrated postmark also incorporates its iconography. Consequently, all three elements converge precisely on the same architectural subject, forming a perfect triple concordance fully aligned with the principles of maximaphily.

Geographic: All elements — stamp, commemorative postmark, and postcard illustration — are directly linked to Wangen im Allgäu, the exact locality represented. The illustrated “WANGEN (ALLGÄU)” special postmark reinforces geographic authenticity and is entirely consistent with FIP maximaphily criteria.

Temporal: The postmark date (31.01.1949) falls within the valid postal period of use of the 1947 definitive issue, ensuring appropriate temporal concordance for a maximum card created with a multi‑year circulating stamp.

Carte Postale Maximum "Le Globe Terrestre"

 

Yt:FR 998

Stamp: France – Centenary of the Metric System – 30 francs, grey‑black - Issue date: 6 October 1954

Postmark: Paris – First Day of Issue cancellation – 4 OCT. 1954 - Date: 4.10.1954, applied two days before the official nationwide release

Postcard: Monochrome printed postcard depicting a detailed image of the terrestrial globe that served as the historical reference for defining the metric system’s unit of length. (Edition unknown.)

Concordance

Thematic: Full thematic concordance.

The stamp commemorates the Metric System, featuring symbolic scientific imagery, and the postcard illustrates the original terrestrial globe used in the development of the metric system’s foundational unit.

Both elements relate directly to the same scientific and historical theme.

Geographic: Strong geographic concordance.

The stamp is a French issue, the First Day cancellation was applied in Paris, and the postcard depicts an object central to French scientific history, created under the direction of the French Academy of Sciences during the birth of the metric system.

All components share a consistent French cultural–scientific context.

Temporal: Excellent temporal concordance.

The cancellation date—4 October 1954—corresponds to the official First Day of Issue applied at the Paris philatelic office.

Although the general nationwide issue date was 6 October 1954, French postal practice allowed First Day cancellations to be used prior to the commercial release.

This complies fully with maximaphily guidelines and forms a true First Day maximum card.

Carte Postale Maximum Eugène-Georges Haussmann

 

Yt:FR 934

Stamp: France, Famous People series – Eugène-Georges Haussmann – 20 francs + 6 francs, (Issue date: 20 October 1952)

Postmark: Paris – First Day of Issue cancellation – Date: 18.10.1952

• Note on dates:
• Although many catalogues list 20 October 1952 as the official issue date, the First Day cancellation clearly shows 18 October 1952.
• This is historically correct: in mid‑20th‑century France, First Day cancellations were often applied 1–3 days before the general nationwide release, at dedicated philatelic counters in Paris.
• Thus:
• 18 October 1952 → First Day of Issue (FDC cancellation used at the Paris philatelic office)
• 20 October 1952 → general release date for national sale across post offices

Both dates are valid and refer to different stages of the stamp’s official introduction.

Postcard: Monochrome printed postcard depicting a portrait of Eugène-Georges Haussmann, presented in a classical profile view. (Edition not indicated.)

Concordance

Thematic: Full thematic concordance.

The stamp portrays Eugène‑Georges Haussmann, and the postcard also features a portrait of the same figure who oversaw the urban transformation of Paris. This establishes complete and direct thematic alignment in accordance with maximaphilic standards.

Geographic: Strong geographic concordance.

The stamp is a French issue, the First Day cancellation was applied in Paris, and the postcard illustrates an administrator whose legacy is deeply tied to the city of Paris. All elements share a coherent and consistent geographic context.

Temporal: Excellent temporal concordance.

The cancellation date—18 October 1952—corresponds to the official First Day of Issue as used by the Paris philatelic bureau. Although the general nationwide release occurred on 20 October 1952, French postal practice of the time allowed First Day cancellations to precede the broader commercial availability of the stamp. 

Thus, the card fully satisfies the temporal requirements of maximaphily and constitutes a true First Day maximum card.

Carte Postale Maximum Narvik 1940

 

Yt:FR 922

Stamp: France, Battle of Narvik (1940) Commemoration – 30 francs, blue -  Issue date: 23 May 1952)

Postmark: Paris – First Day of Issue cancellation "BATAILLE DE NARVIK" – Date: 23.05.1952

Postcard: Monochrome printed postcard depicting the Narvik 1940 memorial stele, inscribed:

“LA FRANCE À SES FILS ET À LEURS FRÈRES D’ARMES TOMBÉS GLORIEUSEMENT EN NORVÈGE – NARVIK 1940.”

The scene includes a French sailor standing beside the monument, with the surrounding Norwegian landscape visible in the background. (Edition Les Maximaphiles Français)

Concordance

Thematic: Full thematic concordance.

The stamp commemorates the Battle of Narvik (1940), and the postcard features the memorial stele dedicated to the French soldiers who fell in Narvik, forming a perfect thematic match.

Both elements refer to the same historic military event.

Geographic: Strong geographic concordance.

The stamp is a French issue, the First Day cancellation was applied in Paris, and the postcard illustrates a monument erected in Narvik, Norway, directly connected to the historical event commemorated by France. This creates a coherent and historically accurate geographic alignment.

Temporal: Excellent temporal concordance.

The cancellation date—23 May 1952—is the official First Day of Issue of the Battle of Narvik commemorative stamp. This results in perfect temporal alignment and produces a true First Day maximum card, the highest standard in maximaphily.

Maximum Card Georges Clemenceau

 

Yt:FR 918

Stamp: France – Famous People series – Georges Clemenceau – 15 francs - (Issue date: 11 November 1951)

Postmark: Paris – First Day of Issue cancellation - Date: 11.11.1951

Postcard: Monochrome printed postcard depicting a sculptural portrait of Georges Clemenceau, based on the work of Auguste Rodin. (Edition unknown)

Concordance

Thematic: Full thematic concordance.

The stamp portrays Georges Clemenceau, and the postcard also depicts a sculpted portrait of the same historical figure, ensuring perfect thematic alignment under maximaphilic rules. All three elements—stamp, postmark, and postcard—directly reference Clemenceau.

Geographic:

Strong geographic concordance.

The stamp is a French issue, the First Day cancellation was applied in Paris, and the postcard reproduces a work by the French sculptor Auguste Rodin, representing Georges Clemenceau. This creates complete geographic coherence.

Temporal: Excellent temporal concordance.

The cancellation date—11 November 1951—is the official First Day of Issue of the Georges Clemenceau stamp. This results in a perfect temporal match and makes the card a true First Day Maximum Card, the highest standard in maximaphily.

 

Maximum Card Ugo Foscolo (1778-1827)

 

Yt:IT 1385

Stamp: Italy – Ugo Foscolo bicentenary (1778–1827) – 170 lire (Issue date: 9 November 1978)

Postmark: Venezia – First Day of Issue cancellation – Venice - Date 9.11.1978

Postcard: Monochrome printed postcard featuring a portrait of Ugo Foscolo, presented in a Romantic‑era artistic style, showing the poet in elegant attire against a dramatic background. The lower margin includes the caption identifying UGO FOSCOLO.

(Edition unknown)

Concordance

Thematic: Full thematic concordance.

The stamp commemorates Ugo Foscolo, and the postcard features a portrait of the same Italian poet and writer, ensuring a complete and direct thematic match in accordance with maximaphilic principles.

Geographic: Strong geographic concordance.

The stamp is an Italian issue, and the First Day cancellation was applied in Venezia, a city closely tied to Italy’s literary and cultural heritage.

The postcard likewise represents a central figure in Italian national culture, ensuring full geographic alignment.

Temporal: Excellent temporal concordance.

The postmark date—9 November 1978—is the official First Day of Issue of the 170‑lire Ugo Foscolo stamp. This creates perfect temporal alignment, forming a true First Day maximum card, the highest standard in maximaphily.

Carte Postale Maximum Raymond Poincaré

 

Yt:FR 864

Stamp: France – Famous People series – Raymond Poincaré – 15 French francs

(Issue date: 27 May 1950)

Postmark: Paris – Commemorative cancellation for the “Foire de Paris – Philatélie”

(Date present on the cancellation is not readable; based on the Fair’s calendar, the most probable dates of use are 27, 28, or 29 May 1950, the last three days of the event held from 13 to 29 May.)

Postcard: Monochrome printed postcard depicting a portrait of Raymond Poincaré, presented in a formal pose typical of early‑ to mid‑20th‑century French official portraiture. The design frames the statesman with a sober, classical aesthetic that emphasizes his political stature.

The printed caption identifies Raymond Poincaré and his role in French political history.

(Edition not indicated.)

Concordance

Thematic: Full thematic concordance.

The stamp depicts Raymond Poincaré, and the postcard illustrates a portrait of the same historical figure, ensuring complete thematic alignment according to maximaphilic standards. Stamp, postmark, and postcard all relate directly to the same person.

Geographic: Strong geographic concordance.

The stamp is a French issue, the commemorative cancellation was applied in Paris during the Foire de Paris – Philatélie, and the postcard portrays a major figure of French national political history.

All three elements share the same geographic and cultural context.

Temporal: Correct temporal concordance.

The cancellation—although its date is unreadable—is known to have been applied during the Foire de Paris, which ended on 29 May 1950.

Since the stamp was issued on 27 May 1950, the event’s final days (27–29 May) fall within the earliest valid period of postal use of the stamp, satisfying maximaphilic temporal requirements.

Even without a legible date, the context of use confirms that the cancellation aligns with the proper validity period of the issue.

Carte Postal Maximum Charles VII Roi de France

 

Stamp: France – Famous People series – Charles VII – 10 francs + 6 francs, red

(Issue date: 28 October 1946)

Postmark: Paris – Musée Postal – Circular date stamp reading “14 MARS 1947 – 4 Rue St. Romain”

(Last day of postal validity of the issue.)

Postcard:

Monochrome printed postcard depicting a portrait of Charles VII, presented with a curtain‑framed background and formal attire. The postcard reproduces the artwork traditionally associated with the Musée du Louvre. (Edition not indicated.)

Concordance

Thematic: Full thematic concordance.

The stamp features Charles VII, and the postcard also illustrates a portrait of the same French monarch, providing complete alignment of iconographic and historical subject matter, fully compliant with maximaphilic principles.

Geographic: Strong geographic concordance.

The stamp is a French issue, and the cancellation was applied in Paris, at the Postal Museum.

The postcard also depicts a figure deeply rooted in French royal history, ensuring coherent geographic association.

Temporal: Excellent temporal concordance.

The cancellation date—14 March 1947—corresponds to the last day of postal validity of the Charles VII semi‑postal stamp issued on 28 October 1946.

This creates a perfect temporal alignment and adds notable philatelic value, as cancellations on a stamp’s final day of use are highly desirable in maximaphily.

Carte Postal Maximum Charles VII Roi de France

 

Yt:FR 770

Stamp: France – Famous People series – Charles VII – 10 francs + 6 francs, red

(Issue date: 28 October 1946)

Postmark: Paris – Comemmorative cancelation “8 MARS 1947 – Journeé du Timbre”

Postcard: Monochrome printed postcard depicting a portrait of Charles VII, based on a work preserved at the Musée de Versailles. The composition presents the monarch in formal attire, framed by a decorative border. Printed caption below the image: “CHARLES VII – Roi de France – 1403–1461”

(Edition not indicated.)

Concordance

Thematic: Full thematic concordance.

The stamp features Charles VII, and the postcard also depicts a portrait of the same historical figure, resulting in a complete alignment of subject matter according to maximaphilic criteria.

Geographic: Strong geographic concordance.

The stamp is a French issue, and the cancellation originates from Paris. The postcard also represents a subject of the French royal historical heritage, ensuring consistent geographic context.

Temporal: Correct temporal concordance.

Although the official withdrawal (“retrait”) date of the issue was 14 March 1947, French postal regulations of the period allowed normal postal use of stamps already in the public’s possession after withdrawal, particularly at philatelic counters.

Therefore, the cancellation of 15 March 1947 remains fully valid for maximaphily, as the stamp was still accepted and processed within its effective postal usability period.

Why do 15‑03‑1947 cancellations exist if the stamp was withdrawn on 14‑03‑1947?

This is a classic situation in French philately and is not an error. It occurs because withdrawal date and last day of postal validity were not the same thing in France at the time.

✔ 1. “Retrait” = withdrawal from post office counters

The date 14 March 1947 refers to the moment when the stamp was removed from sale at postal counters.

After this date, post offices stopped selling the stamp. But a stamp withdrawn from sale can still legally be used as long as it remains valid for postage.

✔ 2. Stamps already owned by the public remained valid the next day

Collectors or correspondents who already had the stamp could still use it on 15 March 1947—and sometimes even later—depending on the internal rules and how post offices applied them.

French postal regulations in the 1930s–1950s commonly allowed: use of previously purchased stamps beyond the withdrawal date cancellation of older issues if still affixed to valid mail.

Thus, a postcard franked on 15‑03‑1947 could still be cancelled normally. This explains the existence of maximum cards with a 15 March postmark.

✔ 3. Special philatelic offices (like Musée Postal) often cancelled one day later

The Musée Postal (Postal Museum) in Paris frequently applied philatelic cancellations on: last day of sale day after withdrawal dates associated with philatelic demonstrations or collector requests

It was not unusual for collectors to bring stamps the day after the official withdrawal, and the philatelic counter would still cancel them.

This is perfectly consistent with French philatelic practice of the period.

✔ 4. In exhibits, both dates are accepted as maximaphilically valid

Because: the stamp was still valid for postal use the theme, geographic link, and period of postal validity remain intact the day‑after cancellation is considered postal use, not “backdating”

Therefore, a 15 March 1947 maximum card is fully admissible in competitive maximaphily—although a 14 March cancel is more desirable because it is the true last day of sale.

Summary

• Yes, the official withdrawal date was 14/03/1947.
• Yes, cancellations on 15/03/1947 are still legitimate because:
• withdrawal ≠ end of postal validity postal counters routinely cancelled stamps after withdrawal

philatelic offices had even more flexibility

There is no contradiction—just normal postal practice of mid‑20th‑century France.

Carte Postale Maximum Rouen martyred city ( Devastated Cities)

 

Yt:FR 745

Stamp: France – Devastated Cities (“Villes Martyrs”) – Rouen, martyred city – 1 franc, violet‑blue

(Issue date: 5 November 1945)

Postmark: Rouen – Circular date stamp reading “ROUEN – 5 NOV 1945”, matching the exact first day of issue.

Postcard: Monochrome printed postcard depicting the Pont Transbordeur of Rouen, showing the metal pylons and suspended gondola structure over the Seine, with the cityscape and cathedral spire visible in the background. Printed caption: “116. ROUEN — Le Pont transbordeur.”

(Edition unknown, typical early 20th‑century French postcard.)

Concordance

Thematic: Strong thematic concordance.

The stamp portrays a war‑damaged view of Rouen, while the postcard shows one of the city’s iconic architectural structures—the Transbordeur Bridge—together forming a coherent representation of Rouen’s urban identity. Both elements align directly with the same locality and historical urban setting, fulfilling thematic maximaphilic requirements.

Geographic: Perfect geographic concordance.

The stamp features Rouen, the postcard illustrates Rouen, and the cancellation was applied in Rouen. All three components originate from the same city.

Temporal: Excellent temporal concordance.

The postmark date—5 November 1945—coincides exactly with the official issue date of the stamp, creating a true First Day of Issue maximum card. This achieves the highest level of temporal alignment in maximaphily

Carte Postale Maximum Gaspard Monge

 

Yt:FR 948

Stamp: France – Commemorative issue “Famous People – Gaspard Monge”, 18 F + 5 F, blue, depicting a portrait of Gaspard Monge and mathematical instruments (Issue: 09.07.1953)

Postmark: France – Circular date stamp “PREMIER JOUR / MONGE / BEAUNE” – 09.07.1953

Postcard: Monochrome printed illustration showing the formal bust‑length portrait traditionally associated with Gaspard Monge, accompanied by typographic captions identifying his name, life dates (1746–1818), and profession as mathematician. The layout follows the classical aesthetic of mid‑20th‑century commemorative portrait postcards. (edition: G. Parison)

Concordance:

Thematic: The thematic concordance is excellent: the stamp honours Gaspard Monge through a commemorative portrait, and the postcard presents a printed portrait of the same historical figure. Both elements align perfectly in their focus on the mathematician.

Geographic: Both stamp and cancellation originate from France, and the Beaune first‑day cancel reinforces the connection to Monge’s birthplace, ensuring strong geographic authenticity.

Temporal: The postmark date (09.07.1953) corresponds exactly to the first day of issue of the commemorative stamp, providing ideal temporal concordance for a maximum card created in accordance with first‑day postal usage.

Maxicard Mont Kilimanjaro

 

Yt:EA 96

Stamp: British East Africa (Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika) – Definitive series “Queen Elizabeth II and Views – Mount Kilimanjaro”, 30c, multicolour, depicting a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and a landscape vignette of Mount Kilimanjaro (Issue: 01.12.1955)

Postmark: Tanganyika – Circular date stamp “Dar es Salaam” – 13.02.1958

Postcard: Colour photographic illustration of Mount Kilimanjaro, showing the snow‑capped summit under a clear sky, with rocky foreground vegetation characteristic of the mountain’s high‑altitude slopes. The composition presents a naturalistic panoramic view of the iconic East African volcanic massif. (edition Peter Hill Postcards)

Concordance:

Thematic: The thematic concordance is excellent: the stamp portrays Mount Kilimanjaro within the “Views” definitive series, while the postcard presents a photographic depiction of the same mountain. Both elements align perfectly through the representation of the identical geographical landmark.

Geographic: Both stamp and cancellation originate from Tanganyika, and the Dar es Salaam postmark reinforces the territorial authenticity. The postcard also depicts a location within the same region, ensuring strong geographic concordance.

Temporal: The postmark date (13.02.1958) falls within the valid period of postal use of the 1955 definitive issue, providing proper temporal concordance for a maximum card constructed with a long‑running definitive series.

As Aves são um Máximo: Galinha (G. g. domesticus)

As Aves são um Máximo: Galinha (G. g. domesticus):   Ordem: Galliformes, Família: Phasianidae, Género: Gallus, Espécie: G. gallus Subespécie: G. g. domesticus

Stamp: Australia – Stamp Collecting Month: Down on the Farm – “Chloe Chicken” – 50c, multicolour, featuring an illustrated chicken with chicks in a playful farm-themed design (Issue: 04.10.2005).

Postmark: New Farm, Queensland – Special Pictorial Cancellation “First Day of Issue” – 04.10.2005

Postcard: Colour photographic postcard depicting a hen sitting on straw inside a barn or farm setting, surrounded by several eggs; publisher not identified.

Concordance:

– Thematic: The stamp shows an illustrated farmyard chicken, while the postcard presents a realistic hen with eggs in an equivalent rural environment. The shared focus on poultry in a farm setting ensures complete thematic alignment.

– Geographic: The pictorial cancellation from New Farm, Queensland, corresponds to the country of issue of the stamp (Australia), establishing full geographic coherence.

– Temporal: The cancellation dated 04.10.2005 matches the year of issue of the Stamp Collecting Month – Down on the Farm series, providing excellent temporal coherence according to maximaphily standards.