ÉTABLISSEMENTS FRANÇAIS DE L'OCÉANIE (French Settlements in Oceania) or French Polynesia cover features three stamps valued at 4F, 15F and 20F (Francs). These definitive stamps issued initially in 1948 depict a Polynesian woman (4F) and two island women in a relaxed setting (15F and 20F), reflecting the local culture of French Polynesia, then known as Établissements Français de l'Océanie. The "Polynesian woman" and "two island women" was rendered by Jacques Boullaire who was well known for his Tahitian artwork, whereas Jules Piel engraved these stamps. Charles Mazelin was the artist/engraver for the "Polynesian woman".
The cachet on this cover commemorates the premiere liaison Air France (first Air France connection) between Tahiti and Paris, specifically referencing the flight to Papeete, Tahiti.
It is addressed to "AIR FRANCE, 12 Bd Norodom, Saigon," indicating the routing or a stopover in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City).
A circular postmark clearly shows "Papeete" and the date "28 - 3 (March) 1950," confirming the historical context of the inaugural airmail service.
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