NATO 10th Anniversary Paris First Day Cover Philatelic Postmark 1959

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This illustrated philatelic envelope commemorates the tenth anniversary of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), celebrated in 1959. It features a detailed illustration of NATO's permanent headquarters in Paris, accompanied by the inscription "10th anniversary of NATO" and the dates "1949-1959". The graphic design presents a stylized architectural structure, typical of official commemorative issues from the late 1950s.

On the visible side, several blue postmarks are clearly affixed, including a round postmark "Premier Jour d’Émission OTAN 10e Anniversaire 12 Déc. 1959 PARIS" (First Day of Issue NATO 10th Anniversary Dec. 12, 1959 PARIS), confirming its status as an FDC (First Day Cover). A clear cancellation mark highlights the postal legitimacy and philatelic interest of this envelope. The text "PREMIER JOUR D’ÉMISSION" is printed in the upper right, positioned above the anniversary dates.

The envelope is protected by a transparent plastic sleeve, preserving the integrity of the paper and the clarity of the prints. A handwritten label "10F" appears in the bottom right, likely a price or classification reference from the period, as well as a pencil annotation just above it. The paper surface appears clean, with no major visible stains or creases through the protection.

The graphic composition combines black typography and a grey-toned architectural illustration, with the blue postmarks standing out sharply against the light background. No postage stamp is clearly visible on this side, suggesting that the envelope was specially designed for the event, or that the stamp is outside the photographed area.

The main inscriptions, in French, indicate an official edition, probably issued by the French Post Office for the philatelic market. The overall item is typical of commemorative envelopes of the period, combining illustration, text, and dated postmarks.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The envelope is preserved under plastic, the visible side appears in good overall condition, with no apparent major defects. Slight traces of pencil writing and an affixed label are visible.

Did you know? NATO was created in 1949 to ensure the collective security of its members. The organization's headquarters were located in Paris from 1952 to 1967, during which time many official philatelic issues commemorated the organization's major milestones.

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Keywords: first day cover, FDC NATO Paris, French philately, commemorative postmark, 10th anniversary NATO, cover stamp, special issue Paris, cancelled envelope, philately France, NATO anniversary cover, illustrated NATO envelope, postal postmark 1959