CEF National Centre for Space Studies leaflet, satellite illustration, 2.60F

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This CEF philatelic sheet honors the Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES), illustrated with a colorful drawing of a satellite orbiting the Earth, against a starry background with a full moon. The illustration, signed by Andreotto (painter-engraver), shows a yellow space capsule equipped with blue solar panels and large antennas, moving through space. The scene is dynamic, with a strong perspective effect and a contrast between the bright colors of the satellite and the deep blue of the night sky.

At the top right of the sheet, there is a 2.60 franc stamp, canceled with a commemorative postmark dated May 31, 1987, in Toulouse, directly related to the space theme. The inscriptions "CENTRE NATIONAL D’ÉTUDES SPATIALES" are clearly visible in black letters below the stamp. The text printed on the lower part of the sheet traces the history and missions of CNES, notably mentioning the French satellites Astérix, Diamant, and EOLE.

The sheet is presented in a transparent plastic sleeve, perforated on the left, typical of CEF presentations. On the left margin, there is the indication "N° 834 of the CEF catalog" as well as the mention of the limited edition of 33,800 copies.

The visible side shows only one sheet, with no indication of a reverse side or any additional content. The set is distinguished by the quality of the printing, the clear rendering of the text, and the vividness of the illustration dedicated to French space conquest.

Condition

Used item sold as is. The sheet appears to be in very good overall condition on the visible side, with no apparent tears, stains, or creases. The plastic sleeve shows clear transparency and an intact perforation on the left side.

Internal reference

3601

Did you know? CNES, created in 1961, enabled France to become the third world space power after the United States and the USSR. The Astérix satellite, launched in 1965, was the first French satellite put into orbit, marking a milestone in the history of European space exploration.

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Keywords: space stamp sheet, CEF CNES, Centre National d’Études Spatiales, satellite illustration, space cancellation, French philately, first day cover, FDC France, commemorative cover, 2.60F stamp, commemorative sheet, Andreotto engraving, French philatelic sheet