CEF Souvenir Sheet Day of the Stamp 1987 diligence postmarked French philately

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This philatelic sheet is an official document published by the CEF (Connaissance et Étude de la Philatélie Française) for the 1987 National Stamp Day. The visible side features a colorful illustrated composition, centered on an engraving depicting a stagecoach drawn by horses, crossing a rural landscape with hills and a village in the background. The illustration is signed by Claude Durrens, whose name is mentioned below the image.

In the upper left, there is a French postage stamp of 2.20 francs, accompanied by a circular commemorative postmark "Journée du Timbre 14 Mars 1987 Paris". The whole is framed by a black line, typical of CEF sheets. A long printed text occupies the lower right part, tracing the history of stagecoaches and their evolution in the context of transport in France.

The dominant colors include black, red, and grey tones, with touches of green and ocher in the decor. The sheet is perforated on the left, indicating its original presentation for a binder or philatelic album. In the margin, the reference "N° 896 du catalogue CEF" is printed, as well as the limited edition of 33,800 copies (13,500 on silk), and the individual number 4359 in the lower left.

The document is well-structured, with clear typography and careful layout. The visual of the stagecoach, rich in detail, faithfully illustrates the theme of 19th-century horse-drawn transport. The whole highlights both the artistic aspect and the historical interest of the subject.

This CEF sheet is a sought-after item in thematic philately, especially for enthusiasts of French commemorative stamps, postal history, or old vehicles.

Condition

Used item sold as is. The visible sheet shows good overall preservation, with no major apparent defects on the illustrated side. The corners and edges are visible, as well as the original perforations on the left side.

Did you know? Stamp Day was established in France in 1937 to promote philately and honor postal heritage. Each year, a different theme is illustrated by renowned artists, with a special issue of stamps and philatelic documents, such as this CEF sheet.

AFW Reassurance

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Keywords: philatelic sheet, 1987 Stamp Day, CEF France, stagecoach stamp, commemorative postmark, philately document, Claude Durrens engraving, France postage stamp, philatelic album, French stamp sheet, stamp day, stamped sheet