CEF philately sheet Flora and Fauna series Aconite France botany

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This illustrated philatelic sheet belongs to the "French Flora and Fauna" series published by the CEF. It is dedicated to Aconite, a mountain plant known for its toxicity and medicinal use. The sheet features a crisp black and white print, accompanied by a full-color botanical illustration depicting the blue-flowered aconite plant against a backdrop of stylized ocher mountains.

The left side of the sheet includes a detailed explanatory text on the history, uses, and dangers of aconite, as well as information on its flowering and its use in pharmacopoeia. The text is printed in black on a white background, with a brown border.

In the central part, an illustrated stamp of a mountain flower (representing aconite) and a "First Day" postmark dated 31.1.1987 in Toulouse can be seen, confirming the official philatelic issue. A round stamp on the postage stamp underlines the authenticity of the item.

The botanical illustration on the right, signed by Claude Durrens (Grand Prix de Rome), highlights the morphology of aconite: upright stem, deeply cut leaves, clusters of purplish-blue flowers. In the background, a stylized drawing of the Vignemale massif (Hautes-Pyrénées) is visible, adding a geographical and naturalistic touch to the whole.

The left margin of the sheet mentions the CEF references (catalogue N° 6789), the limited edition (33,800 copies), and the individual numbering at the bottom left (here: 2077). The support has perforations for a binder and a smooth finish, typical of philatelic sheets. No major defects are visible on the front presented.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The sheet has a clean surface and crisp prints on the front. No visible defects, folds or stains on the photographed area.

Did you know? Aconite, nicknamed "Jupiter's helmet" because of the shape of its flowers, is considered one of the most toxic plants in Europe. Its active principle, aconitine, has long been used in pharmacopoeia under strict control, despite its deadly dangers in case of improper handling.

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Keywords: French philatelic sheet, botanical stamp, CEF, Flora and Fauna, aconite plant, philatelic document, botanical illustration, thematic series, French stamp, botanical stamp, French flora stamp, philatelic record, Aconitum