Vintage Claude Chappe telephone card - 50-unit Télécarte inventors

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This smart card, also known as a phone card ("télécarte" in French), features a color illustration of Claude Chappe, the famous French inventor. Chappe's stylized portrait occupies the right side of the card, against a deep blue background. In the background, a technical diagram evokes the optical telegraph, Chappe's major invention. The inscription "Claude CHAPPE" appears in white at the top left, while a box at the bottom left reads "Télécarte 50."

The card displays a rectangular golden chip on its left side, typical of French smart phone cards used in the 1990s. The visual is clear, with contrasting colors: bright blue, touches of red and yellow for the character's jacket and hair, and a transparency effect for the technical diagram.

The visible side shows no major scratches or apparent chips, and the print remains clearly legible. No other logo, brand, or serial number is visible on this side. The card is of standard rectangular format, with rounded corners, consistent with French phone cards of the era.

This phone card pays tribute to Claude Chappe, a historical figure and pioneer of communications. The overall design is typical of the "Great Inventors" thematic series issued for the French market. This type of item is sought after for its commemorative aspect and its evocative graphics of telecommunications history.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The card shows good overall preservation on the visible side, with no noticeable visual defects on the illustration or the chip.

Did you know? In 1792, Claude Chappe invented the first operational optical telegraph system, allowing for the rapid transmission of messages over long distances using visual signals. This network quickly covered a large part of France and was a precursor to modern telecommunications.

AFW Reassurance

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