Olympic Games 1968 Grenoble cross-country skiing philatelic cover postmarked

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This commemorative philatelic envelope honors the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, featuring an illustration dedicated to the cross-country skiing event. On the visible side, a polychrome illustration depicts a cross-country skier in action against a winter landscape of mountains and fir trees. The whole is framed by the words "OUVERTURE DES JEUX" (GAMES OPENING) and the number "No 625" at the top, reinforcing the event-related nature of this issue.

At the bottom left, the inscription "SKI DE FOND" (CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING) specifies the discipline illustrated. A round postmark is clearly visible on the right side, bearing the inscription "JEUX OLYMPIQUES D’HIVER 38 GRENOBLE" (WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES 38 GRENOBLE) and the date FEB. 6, 1968, confirming cancellation during the Olympic period. A second similar postmark partially appears on the envelope, attesting to its philatelic authenticity.

The visual also shows a gold logo at the bottom left, probably that of the organizer or the official printer. The design, signed "Decaris," features fine details and a sober color palette: light blue, white, black, and gold touches. The envelope is presented under transparent protection, preserving its original condition.

This commemorative envelope is typical of special issues produced during major sporting events, particularly the Olympic Games. The standard rectangular format is suitable for postal use. The inscriptions and graphics are characteristic of the late 1960s.

At the bottom right, a small handwritten insert indicates "10F," probably an old sale or valuation price, without affecting the original postal value.

Condition

Used item sold as is. The envelope is generally well preserved, protected in a plastic sleeve. Some reflections or slight creases on the protection are visible, with no apparent impact on the illustration or postmarks.

Did you know? The 1968 Grenoble Winter Olympics marked the first international color television broadcast for the Winter Games. Many commemorative envelopes were issued on this occasion, each illustrating a discipline or a key moment of the event, thus becoming sought-after philatelic testimonies for their historical and graphic value.

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