CEF Postal Liaison Nancy Lunéville aviation philately stamp sheet

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Detailed description

This illustrated CEF sheet highlights the airmail link between Nancy and Lunéville, a significant milestone in the history of French airmail. On the visible side, a colorful illustration shows two emblematic aircraft: in the foreground, a modern aircraft bearing the inscription "L'AÉROPOSTALE" on its fuselage, accompanied in the background by an old biplane, illustrating the contrast between the beginnings of airmail and its evolution.

In the upper right, the sheet features a canceled stamp with a stylized airplane motif in blue, yellow, and red, harmonizing with the main illustration. The cancellation mark, perfectly legible, bears the inscription "NANCY LUNEVILLE 13-10-91 PREMIER JOUR" (Nancy Lunéville 13-10-91 First Day) and an airplane drawing, confirming a First Day issue dedicated to this historic postal route. The inscription "Liaison Postale NANCY - LUNEVILLE" (Nancy - Lunéville Postal Link) is clearly visible in the upper right of the sheet.

The text printed at the bottom of the illustration traces the history of airmail transport in France, notably mentioning the first experiments from 1911 to 1912 and Lieutenant Nicaud's pioneering role for the Nancy-Lunéville link. The entire sheet is framed by a brown border, giving it a neat appearance suitable for framing or archiving.

The left part of the sheet indicates that it is "N° 1104 of the CEF catalog," with a mention of a limited edition of 7000 copies. The edge of the sheet also has perforations, indicating that it comes from a binder or a philatelic album. The illustration is signed "Pierre Forget, artist engraver," adding an artistic and authentic touch to the whole.

The sheet is presented on a white background, with the number 664 visible in the bottom left, probably the individual number of this copy. No major defects are apparent on the visible side; the surface of the sheet appears clean and well-preserved.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The visible side shows no noticeable alteration, and the printing of the text, illustrations, and stamp is clear. The overall condition is consistent with a philatelic sheet kept in an album.

Did you know? The first official airmail link in France took place on July 31, 1912, between Nancy and Lunéville, over a distance of 27 km. On this occasion, Lieutenant Nicaud transported mailbags on a Farman biplane, marking the beginning of regular airmail service on French territory.

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Keywords: first day sheet, CEF stamp, airmail, Nancy Lunéville, philatelic document, Pierre Forget illustration, illustrated envelope, FDC France, philately France, first day cancellation, airmail history, France stamp collection