CEF Leaflet Tautavel Man philately cancelled illustration prehistory

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This illustrated CEF (Courrier d'Entreprise à Facile - Easy Business Mail) sheet features "Tautavel Man," an emblematic figure of European prehistory. It is a philatelic document presenting a visual composition centered on a large fossil skull surrounded by stylized flames, accompanied by prehistoric animals such as an elephant and a rhinoceros, as well as a landscape reminiscent of a savanna or steppe. On the left, the sheet incorporates a blue and orange stamp (face value 3.40), accompanied by a first-day cancellation depicting the skull's profile and the mention "Homme de Tautavel."

The entire sheet is framed by a black border and features a neat layout, typical of CEF productions. The illustration bears the visible signature of artist Marie-Noëlle Goffin, known for her philatelic works. The printed text at the bottom details the history and discoveries related to Tautavel Man, notably mentioning archaeological excavations and major scientific advancements.

The sheet is inserted into a perforated plastic sleeve, typical of philatelic presentation binders. On the left edge, the CEF catalog number (No. 1098) is visible, along with publication information and page number (128). The visual condition is clean, with no tears or apparent signs of wear on the visible side.

The dominant colors are white, black, shades of beige and ochre for the illustration, as well as bright touches on the stamp. The printed text is perfectly legible and detailed, enhancing the documentary and educational interest of this sheet. The ensemble constitutes an excellent item for collectors of thematic philately on prehistory and archaeology.

Condition

Used item sold as is. The visible side of the sheet is in very good condition, with no folds or notable defects. Transparent presentation sleeve included, consistent with philatelic use.

Did you know? Tautavel Man, whose remains were discovered in the Arago cave (Pyrénées-Orientales) in 1971, is one of the oldest representatives of the Homo genus found in France, dated to approximately 450,000 years ago. These discoveries have contributed to a better understanding of human evolution in Western Europe.

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Keywords: first day sheet, CEF envelope, French philately, Tautavel Man, prehistoric stamp, Marie-Noëlle Goffin, special cancellation, philatelic document, Arago, prehistoric stamp France, FDC France, archaeology illustration