Calais Bourgeois FDC philately monument France first day cover

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Illustrated philatelic envelope, issued on the first day of the series dedicated to the "Monument to the Six Burghers of Calais." The envelope features a detailed illustration of the historic monument, highlighting the sculpture and the background architecture. The visible side presents a polychrome print in shades of brown, gray, and blue, with a sober frame and a composition centered on the monument's visual.

In the upper right, a French stamp with a value of 0.85 francs is affixed, also reproducing the monument. Two round "PREMIER JOUR CALAIS" postmarks are clearly visible on the front, attesting to a specific cancellation on the day of issue. The inscription "PREMIER JOUR D’ÉMISSION N°598C FDC" appears in the upper right, confirming the authenticity of this first day cover (FDC).

The lower-left corner bears the La Poste logo, typical of official issues. The entire envelope is protected by a transparent plastic sleeve, visible in the photo, which helps preserve the overall condition of the document.

A small handwritten label "105" is affixed to the sleeve, without impacting the envelope itself. No other elements or inscriptions are visible on the front. The back, interior, and any contents are not visible in the photo and therefore cannot be described.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The envelope appears preserved in a plastic sleeve, with no major apparent defects on the visible front. Some reflections or creases related to the protective sleeve are visible in the photo.

Did you know? The "Monument to the Six Burghers of Calais" is a major work by sculptor Auguste Rodin, inaugurated in 1895. It commemorates a historical episode from the Hundred Years' War, where six notables of Calais sacrificed themselves to save their city besieged by the English in 1347. This monument is considered one of the masterpieces of French monumental sculpture.

AFW Reassurance

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Keywords: first day cover, FDC France, Six Burghers Calais, commemorative stamp, monument philately, Rodin Calais, illustrated envelope, French first day cover, historic monument stamp, first day postmark, philatelic letter, La Poste special issue