CEF Philately Sheet Decaris Engraving cancelled stamp illustration

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This CEF philatelic sheet features a colorful artistic illustration depicting a woman with voluminous hair, wearing a yellow ruffled dress. The artwork occupies the left part of the sheet, accompanied by an explanatory text on the theme of engraving, printed on the right under the title "LA GRAVURE" (ENGRAVING). The whole is framed by a regular black line on a matte white background, giving the sheet a neat and elegant presentation.

In the lower left corner, there is an illustrated postage stamp, with a face value of 2.00 (francs), illustrated by Albert Decaris. Right next to it, a "First Day" postmark is clearly visible, bearing the inscription "LA GRAVURE PREMIER JOUR 8 JUIN 1984 78 VERSAILLES", indicating a commemorative philatelic issue with a first-day cover. Both the stamp and the postmark are integrated into the sheet, characteristic of CEF (Courrier d’Entreprise à la Française) products.

The sheet is protected by a transparent plastic sleeve with three side perforations, suitable for filing in a philatelic album. On the left edge is the mention "N° 728 du catalogue CEF" (N° 728 of the CEF catalog), as well as printing mentions and the number 8133, which could correspond to an item or print run number. The upper left part also displays the CEF logo.

The illustration on the sheet is signed by Albert Decaris, a member of the Institute, as specified in the printed text. The whole is distinguished by a professional layout and printing quality true to the productions of the CEF house, recognized in the field of French philately.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The sheet visible in the photo appears in very good general condition, with no apparent folds or tears on the visible side. The plastic sleeve shows correct transparency and the inscriptions remain clear. The precise condition of the back or any traces of handling cannot be assessed from the photo.

Did you know? CEF sheets, or "Courrier d’Entreprise à la Française", are philatelic supports published in limited editions to commemorate events, artistic themes, or personalities. Albert Decaris (1901-1988) was one of the most famous French engravers of the 20th century, author of more than 600 stamps for France and abroad, and recognized for the finesse of his illustrations.

AFW Reassurance

Your order will be processed with care, professionally packaged, and shipped quickly. We are professional sellers and attach great importance to the safety and quality of shipping.

Keywords: philatelic sheet, CEF stamp, first day cover, Versailles postmark, Albert Decaris, engraving illustration, French philately, commemorative stamp, FDC envelope, thematic sheet, French stamp sheet, engraving philately