CEF sheet Inauguration Channel Tunnel 1994 stamps France philately

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This philatelic sheet features a commemorative issue dedicated to the inauguration of the Channel Tunnel, dated 1994. At the center of the sheet, four French postage stamps are arranged on a white background, each illustrating stylized and colorful motifs evoking the underwater crossing and Franco-British cooperation. The two upper stamps, priced at 2.80 francs, feature graphic illustrations on a navy blue background, with motifs evoking rail and sea. The lower right stamp, priced at 4.30 francs, has the same aesthetic, while the lower left stamp displays a more orange decor. All bear the inscription "Tunnel sous la Manche" and "République Française La Poste 1994".

The left part of the sheet features a black First Day cover, stamped with an effigy of the Eiffel Tower and the date May 7, 1994, marking the philatelic event. On the right, printed text traces the history of the project and the construction of the tunnel, complemented by the title "INAUGURATION du TUNNEL SOUS LA MANCHE" at the top of the sheet. The overall illustration is characterized by a contemporary and refined composition, typical of early 1990s French design.

The header of the sheet specifies the CEF reference and the print run numbering, visible on the left border: "N° 1172 du catalogue CEF" and "Tirage limité" (Limited edition). The individual number 5241 is inscribed at the bottom left, confirming the limited edition of this sheet. The author of the illustration, Jean-Paul Cousin, is mentioned in the bottom right cartouche.

The visible side shows no defects or notable alterations: the sheet appears clean, with vibrant colors and legible texts. No folds, stains, or missing parts are perceptible in this view. The cardboard support and neat presentation attest to a product intended for prestigious philately.

This First Day sheet is a choice item for collectors of thematic stamps on major European achievements, and more particularly on contemporary French postal history.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The presented side shows a very good general appearance, with no visible defects.

Did you know? The Channel Tunnel, inaugurated in May 1994, connects France and the United Kingdom over nearly 50 km, of which 38 km are underwater. It is the longest underwater tunnel in the world. Its construction required more than six years of work and the collaboration of thousands of engineers and workers from both countries.

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Keywords: First Day sheet, France stamps 1994, Channel Tunnel, CEF philately, Channel Tunnel inauguration, commemorative stamp, philatelic sheet, Jean-Paul Cousin, limited edition, numbered print, French stamp set, Channel Tunnel stamps