Sheet CEF Belle-Île-en-Mer Vauban Citadel stamp Claude Haley philately

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This philatelic sheet issued by CEF (Centrale d'Édition Philatélique) features the Vauban citadel in Belle-Île-en-Mer. On the main side, a color illustration by artist Claude Haley depicts the citadel overlooking the harbor, with its imposing ochre ramparts and recognizable architectural details. The scene also shows boats moored in the harbor, with reflections on the water, under a slightly cloudy sky.

The sheet includes a matching stamp, illustrated by the same artist, bearing the inscription "VAUBAN LA CITADELLE BELLE-ÎLE-EN-MER" and a face value of 2.50. The stamp is canceled with a first-day postmark "16 MAY 1981 - VAUBAN LA CITADELLE - LE PALAIS" visible on the lower left.

On the right, a printed text traces the history and strategic importance of the Vauban citadel, notably evoking its military role from the reign of Philip II to Vauban's works under Louis XIV. The sober layout is typical of CEF sheets, with a neat presentation and clear typography.

In the margin, the reference "N°724 of the CEF catalog" and the individual number "13831" are clearly visible. The sheet also bears the inscription "Claude Haley, painter, created the stamp and signed the illustration of the sheet."

The whole is presented on a cardboard support with side perforations, typical of CEF sheets intended for thematic or regional philately. The overall visual condition is good, with no major apparent defects on the visible side.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The visible side shows no significant alterations, the color of the illustration and the stamp remains vibrant.

Did you know? The Vauban citadel in Belle-Île-en-Mer was designed at the end of the 17th century to reinforce French coastal defense against English and Spanish incursions. It is one of the major examples of Vauban's military architecture, an engineer for Louis XIV, whose work is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Keywords: CEF sheet, Belle-Île-en-Mer, Vauban, citadel, first day stamp, Claude Haley, French philately, special cancellation, philatelic illustration, CEF catalog, FDC France, Belle Ile stamp, French stamp sheet