Dahomey (now Benin) issued a set of stamps on 16 July 1970 to mark the 300th Anniversary of the mission from the King of Ardes to the King of France. Only one stamp depicts ships, the 40F stamp that transported King Ardes ambassador Mathéo Lopez from Dahomey to France depicts the La CONCORDE and La JUSTICE.
Built in 1666 as warship for the French Navy, it is given that she was a ‘brulot’ (translated ‘fire ship’) but this is doubtful, maybe under her second name LE FIN she was a ‘brulot’.
Tonnage 150 tons, armed with 28 guns.
Completed under the name LA CONCORDE.
After she was completed she joined the squadron of the Duc de Beaufort at Toulon.
25 July 1669 she took part in the attack on the town Candia (Iraklion), Crete.
05 January 1670 together with the La JUSTICE she transported the ambassador to France.
1671 She was assigned to the squadron of Almeras at Toulon and renamed LE FIN (the end) most probably then used as a fire ship.
1673 Stricken from the navy registers.
Dahomey 1970 40f sg405, scott271. (the other ship on the stamp is La JUSTICE see index for her details) http://www.shipstamps.co.uk/forum/viewt ... 553#p11553
Source: Log Book.