Grande Consommation

Papier Grande Consommation, or GC paper, was a poor quality paper used on issues of France from 1916 to 1920. Always described as a grayish paper of poor quality, over time this color has become a yellow gray or orangish gray. The paper is rough and contains many inclusions. Printed impressions typically show unprinted specks/spots. Marginal sheet markings reading "GC" were added, likely with the intent that when proper paper was again available, existing stocks on GC paper could be removed.

GC paper is sometimes called granite paper but it is really not that. There may be many to no fabric threads in GC papers, and adding cloth fibers was done out of necessity rather than a security feature.

A little care should be used in handling GC paper stamps as many have become fragile over the years.  File:France Merson GC paper.jpg|40c Merson with the characteristic look of GC paper. 

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