Alpine Troops CEF leaflet 1888-1988 canceled philately stamp France

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This CEF philatelic souvenir sheet honors the centenary of the French Alpine Troops, covering the period from 1888 to 1988. On the front, the sheet features a colorized illustration of two soldiers in period attire, one from 1888 equipped with snowshoes and a staff, the other from 1988 in modern uniform with a rifle and skis, illustrating the evolution of alpine military equipment over a century.

The predominantly white sheet is framed with a golden fillet and includes a printed area on the right, detailing the history of the Alpine Troops in black text. At the bottom right, a French postage stamp "Troupes Alpines 1888-1988" of 2.50 F is affixed, accompanied by a commemorative postmark cancelled in Grenoble on the day of issue. The central illustration, signed by Jean Delpech (Grand Prix de Rome), depicts the two soldiers against a background of snowy mountains, reinforcing the thematic aspect of the sheet.

On the left margin, printed mentions of the CEF ("Cercle des Émissaires Philatéliques Français"), the sheet number (917 from the CEF catalog), as well as the copy number "7791" out of 13,500 printed copies are found. This sheet is perforated with two holes on the left side, allowing for easy storage in a philatelic binder.

The whole is distinguished by the sharpness of the printing, the quality of the layout typical of CEF issues, and the care taken in reproducing colors and historical details. The narrative text on the right recounts the history and missions of the French mountain troops, adding an educational dimension to the item.

The sheet visible in the photo is in used condition, with no dimensions or condition of the reverse estimated, only the illustrated side is presented. No major defects are visible on the illustrated side; the printing and cancellation appear clear and legible.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The visible side shows good preservation, with no apparent defects on the illustrated area or the stamp. For any specific details, please refer to the provided photo.

Did you know? The French Alpine Troops, also known as "Chasseurs Alpins," were created in 1888 to defend France's mountainous borders. They are renowned for their unique skills in winter combat and difficult terrain. Their emblem, the famous "pie" beret, has become a symbol of the mountain army.

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