CEF Sheet Lake Geneva Rescue Society 1885-1985 Switzerland France stamps

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This illustrated philatelic sheet features a commemorative issue dedicated to the Société Internationale de Sauvetage du Lac Léman (International Lake Geneva Rescue Society), covering the period 1885-1985. On the visible side, the sheet displays a rich and colorful graphic composition: a large white swan occupies the center, surrounded by fish, a stylized bouquet of foliage, an anthropomorphic sun, a grape, and Swiss and French flags. This illustration, signed Jean Delpech (noted bottom left), highlights the imagination and fauna of Lake Geneva.

In the upper right part of the sheet, two postage stamps are integrated: one of Swiss origin (face value 70, depicting a rescuer in action), the other French (face value 2.50, illustrating a rescue scene on the water). Both stamps are canceled with a commemorative postmark dated 1985, mentioning "1885 St-Gingolph 1985" and bearing the logo of the rescue society (representation of two birds and a stylized boat).

The text printed on the sheet details the history and mission of the Société Internationale de Sauvetage du Lac Léman, emphasizing the importance of its rapid and effective interventions since its creation in 1885. The lower part of the sheet also specifies the role of the illustrator and engraver Jean Delpech, winner of the Grand Prix de Rome.

This CEF (Courrier d’Entreprise à la Française) sheet bears the catalog number 778, visible in the upper left of the sheet, and the copy number 12729 in the lower left, indicating a limited edition. The visible edge shows the perforation for binders, typical of philatelic sheets to be kept in a specialized album.

The dominant colors are green, blue, white, and red, with a dark brown frame. The whole presents an aesthetic typical of the 1980s, both illustrative and informative, faithful to French and Swiss philatelic productions of that period.

Condition

Second-hand item, sold as is. The sheet visible in the photo shows no apparent tears or major stains on the displayed side. The corners, perforations, and prints are clear. Some slight traces of handling or aging may be present on the paper, without altering legibility or the general appearance.

Did you know? The Société Internationale de Sauvetage du Lac Léman was founded in 1885 in Saint-Gingolph, a village located on the Franco-Swiss border. It still brings together members from both countries today and coordinates rescue operations all around the lake, with over 5,000 interventions annually. The swan, emblem of Lake Geneva, often appears on the society's insignias and official documents.

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Keywords: philatelic sheet, commemorative stamp, CEF, Lake Geneva Rescue Society, Switzerland France, 1985 cancellation, Jean Delpech, thematic philately, first day cover, stamp album, FDC, illustrated cover, Swiss France stamp