First Day Cover Battle of Bir Hakeim Cross of Lorraine FDC philately

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This First Day Cover, reference number 615, commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Battle of Bir Hakeim. On the visible front, there is a colored printed illustration depicting a stylized battle scene with explosions and debris, dominated by a large white Cross of Lorraine, symbol of Free France. At the bottom right, the inscription "25e ANNIVERSAIRE DE LA BATAILLE DE BIR-HAKEIM" is clearly legible, accompanied by the artist's name in small letters.

The stamp affixed to the top right features a blue visual with the Cross of Lorraine and portraits of soldiers. The postmark is clear and legible, bearing the words "PREMIER JOUR" (First Day) as well as the date "2 JUIN 1967" (June 2, 1967) and the location "BIR HAKEIM". The entire item is protected by a transparent plastic sleeve, which limits direct observation of the paper's texture, but the overall presentation remains neat.

The envelope's design, with its contrasting colors (white, blue, red, beige, and black) and detailed illustration, evokes a historical tribute, typical of philatelic souvenirs issued for major commemorations. The item comes in a standard First Day Cover (FDC) format, with no visible information on the back or inside.

The inscriptions "PREMIER JOUR D’ÉMISSION F.D.C. HISTORIQUE" (First Day of Issue F.D.C. HISTORICAL) and the numbering "No 615" appear in red on the left side of the front. The postmark and stamp are well-centered, enhancing the philatelic interest of this commemorative piece.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The envelope is protected by a plastic sleeve, which contributes to its good preservation. Some reflections and marks due to light on the sleeve are visible; no major defects are observable on the presented front.

Did you know? The Battle of Bir Hakeim, which took place in Libya in 1942, was a decisive episode of World War II where the 1st Free French Brigade resisted Rommel's Afrika Korps. This resistance marked French military history and the Cross of Lorraine became one of the main symbols of Free France.

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Keywords: first day cover, FDC France, commemorative stamp, Bir Hakeim 1967, historical philately, Cross of Lorraine, first day postmark, 25th anniversary battle, illustrated envelope, Free France stamp, First Day Cover, Bir Hakeim battle