First Day Cover FDC The Formidable Cherbourg philately submarine 1968

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

First Day Cover (FDC) philatelic envelope, illustrated and stamped, visible in a transparent plastic sleeve. On the front, a double engraved illustration: on the left, an old red ship with the mention "Le Redoutable", on the right, a modern black submarine, clearly evoking naval and submarine themes. The envelope bears the printed mention "Premier Jour d’Émission Historique F.D.C." (Historic First Day of Issue F.D.C.) in the upper right, as well as a perfectly legible circular commemorative postmark: "LE REDOUTABLE SOUS-MARIN NUCLÉAIRE LANCEUR D’ENGINS - PREMIER JOUR 29 OCT. 1968 - 50 CHERBOURG" (LE REDOUTABLE NUCLEAR BALLISTIC MISSILE SUBMARINE - FIRST DAY OCT. 29, 1968 - 50 CHERBOURG). A French postage stamp is affixed in the upper right corner, cancelled by the same first day postmark.

The layout highlights the contrast between French maritime history and the technological innovation of the nuclear submarine. The detailed illustrations, typical of FDC envelopes from the late 1960s, are produced in two-colour printing (red and black on a white background). The plastic sleeve protects the ensemble, which has preserved the overall condition and sharpness of the graphic and philatelic elements.

The postmark dated October 29, 1968, the official "first day" of this issue, is clear and well-centred on the stamp. A small handwritten or printed "10F" label is also visible, affixed to the visible side, probably an old price or an internal classification reference.

On the front, no trace of an address, handwritten notes, or notable defects is visible; the envelope clearly did not circulate outside the philatelic circuit. The ensemble appears clean, without marked creases, stains, or apparent alterations on the visible area.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The visible side of the envelope is very well preserved, with perfectly legible illustrations and postmarks. Plastic protective sleeve included.

Did you know? Le Redoutable was the first ballistic missile nuclear submarine built in France. Launched in 1967 and commissioned in 1971, it symbolises France's entry into the restricted club of naval nuclear powers. The port of Cherbourg, mentioned on the postmark, was the main construction and launch site for this type of strategic vessel.

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Keywords: first day cover, FDC France, Cherbourg postmark, nuclear submarine, Le Redoutable, naval philately, French stamp 1968, illustrated envelope, maritime history, French submarine cover, premier jour émission, FDC naval