First Day Cover philately Monument Heroes Col de Lachau Vercors

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This First Day Cover from the philately category features a commemorative black and white visual, dedicated to the Monument to the Heroes of Col de Lachau, located in the Vercors. On the visible side, the envelope displays a detailed illustration of the monument, surrounded by a wooded landscape, with a neat engraving effect and sober graphic elements. The central motif evokes the memory of the Vercors resistance fighters, an emblematic site of World War II.

Two round "Premier Jour" (First Day) postmarks are clearly visible on the front, with the inscription: "INAUGURATION DU MONUMENT DES HEROS DU VERCORS – PREMIER JOUR – 7 AVRIL 1963 – LA CHAPELLE-EN-VERCORS (DRÔME)". These postmarks attest to the philatelic authenticity of the mailing and its issue date. The canceled stamp, specific to this commemoration, is integrated into the illustration, highlighting the historical and memorial aspect of this envelope.

The entire item is protected by a transparent plastic sleeve, which has preserved the surface of the envelope. The paper texture, printing, and design details suggest workmanship typical of French commemorative editions from the early 1960s.

Additional inscriptions, such as "Monument des Héros au Col de Lachau" and "1963", are legible on the main face. A small handwritten insert "10F" is visible in the bottom right, likely a period price or internal classification note.

This type of First Day Cover (FDC) is a prime piece for thematic philately enthusiasts, particularly around the history of the French Resistance or national monuments. The illustration, postmark, and stamp all on the same side give it a visual and historical coherence appreciated in this field.

Condition

Used item sold as is. The envelope is protected by a plastic sleeve, which has helped limit the signs of age. Some creases or reflections on the protective plastic are visible, without affecting the integrity of the envelope itself. Postmarks, illustration, and inscriptions are very clear on the visible side.

Did you know? Col de Lachau, in the Vercors, is a major memorial site of the French Resistance during World War II. The commemorative monument inaugurated in 1963 pays tribute to the resistance fighters who fell during the battles of 1944, and every year, ceremonies are organized there to perpetuate the memory of these major events in local and national history.

AFW Reassurance

Fast and careful shipping by a professional seller. Reinforced packaging to ensure the safety of the item during transport.

Keywords: First Day Cover, FDC France, commemorative philately, Vercors postal mark, Resistance heroes stamp, Col de Lachau, 1963 France stamp, First Day Cover, philatelic cover, illustrated envelope, special cancellation, philatelic souvenir