Philatelic sheet CEF Belle-Île-en-Mer Vauban Citadel stamp 2.50 F

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This illustrated philatelic sheet comes from the CEF edition and honors the Vauban citadel of Belle-Île-en-Mer. On the visible side, there is a colored artistic reproduction of the citadel overlooking the port, signed by Claude Haley, a painter, whose signature is affixed under the illustration. The sheet also includes a French 2.50 F postage stamp, matching the illustration, franked and postmarked with the first day cancellation "VAUBAN LA CITADELLE - BELLE-ÎLE-EN-MER - 26 MAI 1984".

On the right, a printed text presents the history of Belle-Île-en-Mer and its citadel, evoking the main stages of its fortification and Vauban's role in the defense of the Breton coast. The text is titled "BELLE-ÎLE EN MER VAUBAN LA CITADELLE" in a clear, vertical typography. The sheet's design offers an elegant layout, typical of CEF editions, with a fine border around the illustration and text.

On the left margin, the edition mentions are visible: "CEF", "N°724 of the CEF catalog", as well as the print reference. The sheet is perforated with two holes on the lateral edge, characteristic of sheets intended for filing in a philatelic album. The reference "13830" appears in the lower left corner.

The stamp also depicts the citadel in sober tones, accompanied by the mention "VAUBAN LA CITADELLE BELLE-ÎLE-EN-MER". The whole presents a sought-after visual harmony between illustration, stamp and postmark, characteristic of CEF commemorative sheets.

This CEF sheet is an example of a thematic philatelic document, combining artistic illustration, matching stamp and historical note, ideal for highlighting a regional or architectural subject.

Condition

Used item, sold as is, as visible in the photo. The sheet is in good overall condition, with no apparent defects on the illustrated side. The mentions, illustrations and stamp are clear and well centered.

Did you know? The citadel of Belle-Île-en-Mer, fortified by Vauban from 1683, was an essential link in the coastal defense network designed under Louis XIV. Vauban applied his principles of military architecture there, combining defensive efficiency with adaptation to the Breton terrain. Today, the citadel is a heritage site open to visitors.

AFW Reassurance

Careful and protected shipping, fast dispatch from France by a specialized professional seller.

Keywords: first day sheet, Belle-Île stamp, CEF philately, Vauban citadel, 1984 cancellation, philatelic document France, stamp souvenir card, Belle-Ile-en-Mer stamp, FDC France, commemorative stamp, military architecture, philately France