CEF Philatelic Youth Exhibition 1984 Dunkirk souvenir sheet canceled France

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Official philatelic sheet published by the CEF (Cercle des Émetteurs de France), dedicated to the Dunkirk Youth Philatelic Exhibition in 1984. This sheet features a large central illustration inspired by a postage stamp, depicting a blond child dressed in blue, lying in front of a female allegory dressed in pink, against a stylized sunrise or sunset background. The drawing is signed by Claude Andreotto, painter and engraver, whose name appears at the bottom right of the sheet.

At the bottom left, there is a French postage stamp with a face value of 1.60 francs, featuring the main illustration, with a round postmark "PREMIER JOUR JEUNES 84 – 30 AVRIL 1984 – DUNKERQUE". Next to the stamp is also a reduced reproduction of the same illustration, integrated into the commemorative postmark.

The right side of the sheet contains printed text in French, tracing the history and importance of the postage stamp, as well as a framed section on youth philately. The dominant colors are blue, yellow, pink, and black, with clean outlines and quality printing, typical of CEF sheets from the 1980s.

The sheet is presented in a transparent plastic sleeve, with the reference "N° 720 du catalogue CEF" visible on the side edge. The copy number "10509" is also noted at the bottom left, indicating a limited edition. The general condition visible in the photo is very satisfactory, with no apparent defects on the exposed side.

This type of sheet, often called a "first day philatelic envelope" or "philatelic souvenir," is sought after for its original illustration and print quality. This is a tangible example of the thematic exhibitions organized for youth in the 1980s.

Condition

Used item sold as is. The visible side shows no major defects, the printing is clear, the sheet appears well preserved in its original plastic sleeve.

Did you know? Since the 1950s, the CEF sheet series has accompanied major French stamp issues, often in limited editions and illustrated by renowned artists. Claude Andreotto, the author of the illustration presented here, has created numerous stamps for La Poste française, combining traditional engraving with graphic modernity.

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