FDC Envelope Sabine 1979 France postage stamps cancelled first day philately

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This illustrated envelope, presented in a transparent protective sleeve, is a 1979 First Day Cover (FDC) dedicated to the "Sabine" stamp series, an emblematic figure in French philately. On the visible side, there is a large, colorful illustration of Sabine's profile, signed "Pagnier 1979", on a purple and gold background, accompanied by the inscription "EMISSION SABINE 79". The graphic work, in a classic and refined style, highlights the fineness of the line and the rich chromatics of the portrait.

In the upper right corner of the envelope are three French postage stamps, purple, red, and green respectively, all bearing the effigy of Sabine, with visible face values (1.60, 1.50, 1.00 francs). These stamps are cancelled by a round "Service Philatélique" postmark, dated 1979, bearing the address "13, 33 Rue Coquillière, 75001 PARIS" and the inscription "PREMIER JOUR D’EMISSION" (FIRST DAY OF ISSUE).

The envelope also bears the inscription "Nouveaux tarifs postaux" (New postal rates) in the upper left, as well as "Premiers Jour d’Emission" in gold letters and "First Day Cover" in English in the lower right of the illustration. The publisher "Éditions F. Courboin" is mentioned vertically on the side of the illustration. A handwritten or printed insert "25F" is affixed to the right side of the envelope, likely related to a price or internal reference.

The overall item appears to be in very good condition, under plastic protection, with no apparent defects on the visible side. The colors are fresh, the impressions crisp, and the cancellations perfectly legible, making it a sought-after piece for philately enthusiasts and collectors of French First Day Covers.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Visible side in excellent condition, no major defects observed, plastic protection included.

Did you know? The "Sabine" stamp series was created by engraver Pierre Gandon in 1977 to replace the "Marianne de Béquet". The motif is inspired by an antique sculpture depicting a Sabine, a symbol of the French Republic, and was used on definitive stamps until 1982. First Day Covers, or FDCs, are prized for the clarity of their cancellations and their documentary value concerning postal history.

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Keywords: first day cover, FDC Sabine, France stamps, cancelled stamp, philatelic illustration, 1979 issue, French stamp, philatelic letter, Sabine Gandon, first day cover, first day postmark, philatelic cover