First Day Cover FDC Athletics 1969 Paris Championships philately

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This First Day Cover (FDC) features a sports theme, dedicated to athletics. On the visible side, there is a color photograph of an athlete performing a pole vault, capturing the movement outdoors under a partially cloudy blue sky. The scene takes place in a stadium, with stands in the background and spectators present, which reinforces the event aspect of the document.

In the upper left, the envelope bears the inscription "PREMIER JOUR D’ÉMISSION - HISTORIQUE - F.D.C." (FIRST DAY OF ISSUE - HISTORIC - F.D.C.), followed by the visible number "N° 152". Below, it reads: "CINQUANTENAIRE FÉDÉRATION FRANÇAISE D’ATHLÉTISME" (FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY FRENCH ATHLETICS FEDERATION), indicating the commemoration of an important anniversary for this sports institution. A blue "Premier Jour" (First Day) stamp is also affixed on the left side.

Two black circular postmarks are clearly visible on the right side of the envelope, bearing the inscription "CHAMPIONNATS DES JEUNES - PREMIER JOUR - 6 SEPT. 1969 - PARIS" (YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS - FIRST DAY - SEPT. 6, 1969 - PARIS). To the right, a French stamp is affixed, illustrating a motif related to athletics and the French Athletics Federation, surmounted by the mention "RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE" (FRENCH REPUBLIC).

The envelope is protected by a transparent plastic sleeve, suggesting a desire for preservation. A handwritten number "108" appears on the lower right, probably an internal reference or classification number.

Overall, this is a fine example of sports philately, combining a commemorative envelope, photographic illustration, First Day postmarks, and a specialized stamp, typical of French FDC productions from the late 1960s.

Condition

Second-hand item, sold as is. The envelope appears well-preserved, under plastic protection. The image, inscriptions, and postmarks are clear on the visible side. No major defects are visible on the photographed part, apart from reflections from the plastic sleeve.

Did you know? First Day Covers (FDCs) are issued to celebrate the release of a new stamp. The French Athletics Federation, founded in 1920, celebrated its fiftieth anniversary at the Paris championships in 1969, a significant event in the history of French sport.

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