First Day Cover Homing Pigeons 1957 illustration pigeon Vincennes FDC

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Illustrated First Day Cover, dedicated to pigeon fancying, visible under a transparent protective sleeve. The front of the envelope features a colorful illustration of a pigeon perched on a rock, with a stylized dovecote in the background. The composition highlights dark blue, ocher yellow, and black tones, typical of French philatelic editions from the 1950s. The inscription "COLOMBOPHILIE" (PIGEON FANCYING) appears at the bottom left, while the mention "PREMIER JOUR D'ÉMISSION N°75" (FIRST DAY OF ISSUE No. 75) appears at the top, in a gilded cartouche.

Two round postmarks are clearly visible on the front. They bear the inscription "PREMIER JOUR COLOMBOPHILIE 12 JANV. 1957 VINCENNES" (FIRST DAY PIGEON FANCYING JAN. 12, 1957 VINCENNES), attesting to the special cancellation for the official stamp launch. A recipient's address is typed at the bottom right: "Monsieur [...] 26 Rue des Fontaines, LE MANS Sarthe," along with a handwritten or printed mention "10F."

The overall presentation is typical of French FDC ("First Day Cover") envelopes, with a neat layout and a thematic illustration. The stamp is not distinctly visible through the sleeve, but the graphic and philatelic elements are well highlighted on the visible side.

The entire item is protected by a transparent plastic sleeve, ensuring optimal preservation of the original franking and illustration. No major defects, creases, or stains are visible on the front through the sleeve.

The colors of the illustration remain vibrant, the text is perfectly legible, and the cancellations are clear. The envelope is of particular interest for themes of pigeon fancying, French postal history, and animal thematic philately.

Condition

Used item sold as is. Front in very good visual condition under sleeve, with no apparent defects or major visible alterations. Plastic sleeve included.

Did you know? The term "First Day of Issue" refers to envelopes and cards specially issued to celebrate the official release of a new stamp. Pigeon fancying, or the breeding of homing pigeons, has been the subject of several philatelic issues in France, particularly to highlight its historical role in communications before the modern era.

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