CEF Sheet Sailing Ship Series FRIGATE LA MELPOMENE 0.90 stamp philately

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This official philatelic souvenir sheet published by the CEF (Centrale d'Édition Philatélique) highlights the frigate "La Melpomène", a famous sailing ship of the French navy. The presentation combines a central color illustration depicting the frigate at sea, all sails set, accompanied by detailed text tracing the ship's history and technical specifications.

In the upper right corner of the sheet is a French stamp with a face value of 0.90, also illustrating a sailing ship, with a First Day cancellation (round stamp legible "PREMIER JOUR 6 DEC. 1975 PARIS"). The whole is presented on a thick satin-finish cardboard support with a white-gray veined background and a gold border around the main illustration.

On the left margin, one can see the inscription "N° 332 du catalogue CEF" as well as the mention of the limited edition and official control. The individual sheet number, 5685, is visible at the bottom left. The border also includes perforations for binder storage.

The text printed below the image details the history of the frigate Melpomène, from its launch in Rochefort in 1887 to its conversion into a training ship and its various assignments in the French navy. The overall layout is carefully designed, typical of CEF issues, ideal for presentation and preservation in an album.

The general condition observed is very good: vivid colors, crisp corners, no apparent signs of wear on the visible side, perfectly legible text and illustration. The stamp and cancellation are clear, with no visible smudging.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Visible side in very good condition, with no noticeable defects.

Did you know? The frigate Melpomène was one of the last large French military sailing ships, serving both for troop transport and naval instruction. Its name is inspired by the muse Melpomene from Greek mythology, a figure associated with tragedy, a common choice in the navy for naming warships in the 19th century.

AFW Reassurance

Fast shipping and careful packaging. Professional seller specializing in philately and old documents.

Keywords: first day sheet, CEF sailing ship, frigate Melpomène, France 0.90 stamp, sailing ship series, philatelic document, sailing ship, first day cancellation, philately, sailing ship stamp, philatelic card, stamp album, CEF presentation