CEF Canal de l'Ourcq sheet canceled stamp Béquet illustration philately

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This philatelic sheet issued by the CEF (Cercle des Émissions Philatéliques Françaises) honours the Ourcq Canal, an emblematic structure of the Parisian waterway network. On the visible side, the sheet features a carefully composed design including a cancelled postage stamp, a colour illustration, and a detailed explanatory text.

The predominantly green and grey stamp is accompanied by a clear cancellation bearing the inscription "CANAL DE L'OURCQ 93 BONDY", reinforcing the commemorative aspect of the set. The main illustration, signed by Pierre Béquet (name legible at the bottom right), depicts a lively view of the canal, with a barge sailing in the foreground, landscaped banks and urban buildings in the background. The colour palette, dominated by the blue tones of the water and the warm shades of the buildings, evokes a characteristic urban and fluvial atmosphere.

The text printed on the right side of the sheet traces the history and importance of the canal, from its origins to its contemporary role. The sheet is presented on a white cardboard backing, with limited edition information and the numbering "4038" visible at the bottom left. The reference "N° 1086 du catalogue CEF" and the SODOP logo are also printed on the left border.

The set is distinguished by the quality of the printing and the sharpness of the illustration, characteristic of CEF sheets. The visual aspect is enhanced by the harmonious arrangement of the elements: stamp, cancellation, illustration and text. No defects, stains or creases are observable on the visible side, the sheet being presented under transparent plastic protection.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The visible side shows no notable defects. The sheet is kept in a plastic sleeve, which guarantees good visual protection.

Did you know? The Ourcq Canal, commissioned at the beginning of the 19th century, played a key role in supplying Paris with drinking water and transporting goods. It was notably ordered by a decree of Napoleon Bonaparte and remains a waterway still used today, both for pleasure boating and irrigation.

AFW Reassurance

Careful packaging and fast shipping ensured by a professional seller specialising in philately and postal collectibles.

Keywords: philatelic sheet France, Canal de l'Ourcq stamp, CEF philately, maximum card, Bondy cancellation, Pierre Béquet, commemorative issue, SODOP, philatelic cover, historic canal, France postage stamp, river illustration, stamped souvenir sheet