First Day Cover Red Cross 1960 Saint Martin Tours philately

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This 1960 First Day Cover, dedicated to the Red Cross, is an authentic philatelic item, visible in a transparent sleeve. On the front, there is a printed illustration of a haloed religious figure, surrounded by moving figures, done in a graphic style typical of the 1960s. To the left, a scene in red evokes humanitarian assistance, related to the Red Cross theme.

Two postage stamps are affixed to the right, one in burgundy tones (0.20 + 0.10) and the other in blue (0.25 + 0.10), both adorned with a red cross in the upper right and illustrated with historical scenes. The face values and the presence of the Red Cross symbol reinforce the commemorative dimension of this issue.

The visible round postmarks bear the inscription "PREMIER JOUR SAINT MARTIN TOURS 3 DEC. 1960" (First Day Saint Martin Tours 3 DEC. 1960), confirming the authenticity of the First Day cancellation. The printed inscription "PREMIER JOUR D’ÉMISSION HISTORIQUE" (First Day of Historic Issue) and the reference F.D.C. N° 526 are also visible in the upper left.

The item is preserved in a protective plastic sleeve, which has kept the colors sharp and the printing quality intact. The paper appears clean, with no traces of moisture or visible tears on the side shown. A handwritten number ("30F") is affixed below the postmarks, likely related to a historical valuation or price.

Visible inscriptions also include "CROIX-ROUGE 1960" (Red Cross 1960) at the bottom left, as well as a circular blind stamp, typical of official FDC envelopes.

Condition

Used item sold as is. The front is in very good visual condition, with no major wear or apparent defects on the observable part. The plastic sleeve effectively protects the envelope.

Did you know? The tradition of First Day Covers (FDC) involves cancelling stamps on the very day of their official release. French Red Cross issues have been produced annually since 1914, often to support the organization's humanitarian efforts.

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Keywords: first day cover, FDC Red Cross, France stamps 1960, Saint Martin Tours, philatelic cover, First Day cancellation, First Day Cover, French Red Cross, red blue stamp, commemorative issue, French philately, illustrated envelope