CEF Vidocq Philately Sheet No. 1667 illustrated stamp France

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This philatelic sheet, published by the CEF (Centrale d'Emission Philatélique), honors Eugène-François Vidocq, an emblematic figure in French police history and a literary character. The visible side features a large color illustration of Vidocq, created by Jean-Paul Cousin, against the backdrop of the Palais de Justice. The name "VIDOCQ" is inscribed in prominent letters at the top left, dominating a detailed biographical text printed in black, which traces Vidocq's life and influence in literature and policing.

At the bottom right, an illustrated postage stamp is integrated into the sheet. It shows a portrait of Vidocq, accompanied by a commemorative postmark "Vidocq PARIS". The inscription "La Malmaison" appears on the stamp. The entire piece is printed on card-type paper with a matte finish, inserted into a transparent plastic sleeve with two lateral perforations for binder storage.

On the left margin of the sleeve, several inscriptions are present, including the limited edition number "000866", the mention "N°1667 from the CEF catalog", as well as references to SO.D.E.P. and the Fédération des Sociétés du Personnel des PTT. The text also specifies that the illustration was a special commission for this sheet.

The sheet highlights the French philatelic tradition, combining biographical text, artistic illustration, and a commemorative stamp. The dominant colors are white, black, brown, and sepia tones in the portrait, giving the whole piece both a historical and artistic dimension.

This type of sheet is prized for its documentary and aesthetic qualities, bringing together a stamp, postmark, and illustration on a single item, ideal for thematic philately or postal history.

Condition

Used item sold as is. Visible side in very good apparent condition, with no major defects observed on the image (no visible stains, folds, or marks on the illustrated part or the stamp). Plastic sleeve and sheet well preserved.

Did you know? Eugène-François Vidocq (1775-1857) was the first director of the Sûreté nationale and is considered the father of modern policing. His career inspired many writers, including Balzac, Hugo, and Dumas, and he originated investigative techniques still used today, such as identification through criminal record sheets.

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Keywords: philatelic sheet, Vidocq stamp, CEF France, famous person, police history, commemorative postmark, SO.D.E.P., illustrated stamp, Vidocq biography, philately France, stamp sheet, timbrée sheet