First day cover Tours 1969 FDC philately illustration Hotel Gouin
AFW - Antique France Worldwide
Description
This illustrated envelope is a "First Day Cover" (FDC) issued to commemorate the 40th Congress of the Federation of French Philatelic Societies, held in Tours on May 3, 1969. The visible side features a detailed drawing of the Hôtel Gouin, an emblematic monument of the city of Tours, highlighted by a vibrant blue area and a coat of arms in the upper left. The architectural illustration is accompanied by the caption "TOURS HÔTEL GOUIN" and the mention "PREMIER JOUR D'ÉMISSION F.D.C. No 595 HISTORIQUE" in the upper right.
A perfectly legible round postmark indicates the precise date of May 3, 1969, and mentions the 40th Philatelic Congress. The cancellation also bears the mention "PREMIER JOUR" (First Day), confirming that it is a commemorative FDC envelope. An affixed stamp is visible on the right, adorned with an architectural motif consistent with the envelope's theme.
The surface of the envelope is protected under a transparent sleeve, which limits reflections but allows the main visual to remain clear. No major defects are visible on the illustrated part or on the stamp. A small handwritten or printed insert, marked "1of", is located in the lower left corner.
The overall presentation exhibits a graphic composition typical of the 1960s, with an architectural illustration style and the use of two-tone printing (black and blue). This item is primarily aimed at philatelists and postal history enthusiasts seeking authentic First Day issues, particularly those related to Tours or French philatelic congresses.
Condition
Used item, sold as is. Envelope under plastic protection, visible side in very good apparent condition, with no visible tears or stains. The cancellation and stamp are clear and legible. No information about the contents or the back.
Did you know? First Day Covers (FDCs) are issued in limited quantities to celebrate the release of a new stamp. The Hôtel Gouin, depicted here, is an emblematic Renaissance monument in Tours, bearing witness to the city's mercantile and architectural past.
AFW Reassurance
Your order will be carefully packaged and shipped promptly by a professional seller, with particular attention paid to preserving its philatelic condition.
Keywords: first day envelope, FDC France, Tours philately, Hôtel Gouin, 1969 philately, commemorative stamp, First Day postmark, First Day Cover, congress cancellation, illustrated envelope, philatelic issue, France stamp cover