First Day Cover Canoe-Kayak 1969 World Championships FDC Philately

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

First Day Cover (FDC) featuring an illustration dedicated to the 1969 Canoe-Kayak World Championships in Bourg-Saint-Maurice. The visible side presents a colorful illustration of an athlete in a canoe, wearing a red helmet and a bib marked "23", paddling on a river stylized with dynamic multicolored patterns. The envelope bears the inscription "PREMIER JOUR D’ÉMISSION No 668 HISTORIQUE F.D.C" printed in the upper left, as well as "CHAMPIONNATS DU MONDE DE CANOE-KAYAK" at the bottom.

Two official round postmarks are clearly visible on the right side of the envelope. They are dated "2 AOÛT 1969" and bear the inscription "CHAMPIONNATS DU MONDE - PREMIER JOUR 73-BOURG ST MAURICE", accompanied by a pictogram representing a canoeist. An additional red "Premier Jour Émission" postmark appears at the bottom left.

The central illustration, signed "Gambet", stands out for its graphic style typical of the late 1960s, with vibrant colors and expressive shapes. The overall presentation of the envelope is meticulous; it is preserved in a transparent plastic sleeve, which protects all visible graphic and philatelic elements.

The printed text and inscriptions are perfectly legible on the exposed side. No major defects are observable on the visible area, apart from some reflections or creases related to the plastic protective sleeve. The lower right corner features a small handwritten label "1JF" applied to the sleeve, with no impact on the envelope itself.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The visible side appears in very good condition, with no noticeable signs of wear or stains on the illustration or postmarks. Includes the plastic protective sleeve.

Did you know? First Day Covers (FDCs) are issued to mark the official release of a new stamp or a significant postal event. They feature a special postmark on the launch date and often illustrate important sporting or historical themes. The 1969 Canoe-Kayak World Championships in Bourg-Saint-Maurice marked a major milestone in the history of this discipline in France.

AFW Reassurance

Fast shipping and careful packaging by a professional seller specializing in philately and antique postal items.

Keywords: First Day Cover, FDC canoe kayak, French philately, Bourg Saint Maurice postmark, 1969 sports stamp, illustrated envelope, special issue, first day of issue, canoeing stamp, French FDC, sports event envelope, commemorative postmark