First Day Cover 1973 Paris Telephone Center Philately FDC

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This First Day Cover (FDC) features a postmark dated May 19, 1973, applied at the Paris Telephone Center. On the visible side, there is a large, colorful illustrated stamp depicting a monumental edifice, probably a gate or an arch with classical architecture, featuring mosaic decoration and visible French inscriptions: "CENTRE TELEPHONIQUE DE PARIS" and "REMISE JOUR D’EMISSION". The stamp is framed by a golden border, with a decorative cartouche in the lower left featuring a stylized amphora.

Two round stamps are affixed to the right side of the envelope, bearing the inscription "CENTRE TELEPHONIQUE OUVERTURE PREMIER JOUR" and the date May 19, 1973, accompanied by a pictogram of a rotary dial telephone, a typical symbol of the era. A second, classic-sized stamp, in the upper right, is also visible, illustrating an architectural view and overprinted by the commemorative postmark.

The envelope is protected under transparent plastic film. The main visible colors are blue, yellow, gold, and touches of green. The overall design evokes the graphic style of the 1970s, with a meticulous layout typical of official philatelic issues. The inscription "REMISE JOUR D’EMISSION – FIRST DAY COVER" is also present in the lower left, confirming the commemorative nature of this mail.

The visible side shows no apparent major defects, apart from some reflections and creases in the protective plastic. The legibility of the inscriptions and the clarity of the postmarks are good, which facilitates the identification and authenticity of this First Day Cover issued in Paris.

This type of envelope is sought after for its "First Day" postmark authenticating the stamp's issue date and marking a particular postal or historical event, in this case related to the opening of a telephone center in Paris in 1973.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The visible side of the envelope is clean, protected under plastic film, with clear postmarks and prints. Some creases and reflections on the plastic protection are visible.

Did you know? First Day Covers, or FDCs, are philatelic items issued to mark the first day a stamp is put into circulation. In France, the tradition of these special issues developed in the 1950s, with each envelope postmarked with a commemorative postmark specific to the event or location concerned.

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Keywords: first day cover, FDC, commemorative postmark, Paris 1973, French philately, Paris telephone center, architectural stamp, first day of issue, special postmark, philatelic envelope, French stamp cover