Vintage TELECARTE 50 Military Transmissions phone card, chip, rare

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This smart card telephone card, a "TELECARTE 50" type, features a design characteristic of the 1990s, focusing on the theme of French military telecommunications. On the visible side, the card displays an insert on the left with the electronic chip, typical of French telephone cards of that era, as well as the inscription "TELECOMMUNICATIONS & SYSTEMES D’INFORMATIONS" (Telecommunications & Information Systems) and the blue text "Les Transmissions, l’Arme qui unit les Armes" (Signals, the Arm that unites the Arms).

To the right, a large blue border highlights a stylized crest: it depicts an ancient golden soldier's helmet, resting on a globe, with beams symbolizing waves or signals, and an orbiting satellite. The edge of the crest is outlined with a golden fillet. This motif is typical of the iconography used for French military signals units, emphasizing the strategic dimension of the object.

The card is distinguished by its matte white surface, the sharp contrast between the deep blue of the crest and the white of the card, as well as the gold and black touches that accentuate the graphics. The inscription "TELECARTE 50" in black on a white background, in a rectangular cartouche, indicates the card's capacity (50 units), a very common format in the 1990s.

The electronic chip in the upper left is clearly visible, with its exposed metallic contacts. The inscriptions are printed in dark blue and light blue, with no notable wear on the visible area. No major defects appear on the displayed side: no chips, deep scratches, or visible stains, only a slight mark to the left of the chip module, probably original or due to moderate handling.

The background of the photograph, a golden fabric, highlights the colors of the card and allows every detail of the graphics to be clearly distinguished. No other elements or sides are visible in this image.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The visible side is in very good cosmetic condition, with clear printing and fresh colors. Slight mark near the chip, with no impact on the card's readability or integrity.

Did you know? French smart card telephone cards, introduced in the 1980s, revolutionized public access to telephones. Thematic editions related to the military or institutions were often distributed in more limited print runs, which now gives them particular interest, especially for their specific iconography and their roots in the history of national telecommunications.

AFW Reassurance

Careful packaging and fast shipping with tracking. Professional seller specializing in antique and vintage items.

Keywords: old phone card, military phone card, telecom chip, army signals, vintage smart card, TELECARTE 50 units, France telecommunications, rare phone card, 1990s, old phonecard, French telecom card, France collection card