CEF Sheet History of France stamps 1971 Battle of Valmy Bastille

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description: This philatelic sheet published by CEF presents a historical montage dedicated to the History of France, illustrating major events such as the Estates General, the Battle of Valmy, and the storming of the Bastille. On the visible side, the sheet combines three French postage stamps issued in 1971, each cancelled with a legible "First Day" postmark: "PREMIER JOUR A. MAILLOT VERSAILLES", "18 SEPT. 1971 VALMY", and a Paris Bastille postmark. The stamps are integrated into a richly illustrated composition of colored historical scenes, framed by explanatory texts printed in black.

The center of the sheet features a decorative vignette titled "Histoire de France" on a yellow background, surrounded by engraved scenes depicting the emblematic figures and moments of the French Revolution. The illustrations show period costumes, crowds, and stylized battles, with a dominant palette of browns, reds, blues, and blacks, evoking classic revolutionary iconography.

Around the central part, printed texts detail the historical events related to the stamps, notably the storming of the Bastille and the Battle of Valmy. The sheet bears the mention "CEF, 2 rue de l'Hôtel des Postes, Nice", as well as a catalog number visible on the margin ("N° 179 du Catalogue CEF"), attesting to its official edition.

The surface of the sheet has a smooth, matte finish, with a simple and elegant frame. The postmarks and stamps are crisp and well-centered. The whole is printed on white cardstock, with wide and regular margins. No traces of handwriting or major defects are visible on the photographed side.

This type of sheet, often called an "illustrated First Day Cover" or "commemorative sheet," is sought after in thematic philately for the richness of its illustrations and the quality of its First Day cancellations.

Condition: Used item, sold as is. The visible side appears in good overall condition, with no tears or apparent stains.

Did you know? CEF sheets, published in Nice since the 1940s, are recognized for the quality of their historical illustrations and their limited editions. The First Day Cover (FDC) postmark guarantees that the stamp was cancelled on the very day of its official release, which enhances its value for enthusiasts of thematic philately.

AFW Reassurance: Careful packaging and fast shipping with tracking. Professional seller specializing in philatelic and historical items.

Keywords: philatelic sheet, CEF, First Day, History of France, 1971 stamp, Bastille, Valmy, French Revolution, FDC France, first day cancellation, illustrated sheet, philately France, French stamp cover