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

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This illustrated philatelic sheet, published by the CEF, highlights the citadel of Belle-Île-en-Mer, a major work by Vauban. The central part of the sheet features a polychrome illustration signed by artist Claude Haley, depicting the fortified citadel overlooking the port, with precise architectural details and nuanced colors ranging from the ochre beige of the ramparts to the blue of the sea. Around the illustration, a finely printed decorative frame emphasizes the elegant presentation of the document.

In the bottom left of the sheet is a postage stamp with a face value of 2.50 francs, also illustrating the Belle-Île-en-Mer citadel. This stamp is postmarked with a First Day cover dated May 18, 1985, mentioning "LE PALAIS" and featuring a stylized reproduction of the citadel. The mention “Claude Haley artiste peintre a créé le timbre et signé l’illustration du feuillet” (Claude Haley painter created the stamp and signed the illustration of the sheet) is clearly visible under the main illustration.

The sheet includes printed text on the right, titled “BELLE-ILE EN MER VAUBAN LA CITADELLE”, tracing the history of the fortification, its historical and architectural context, as well as the main construction phases under Vauban's direction. The text is printed in black on a white background, with clear and legible typography.

On the left side, technical information is visible: “N° 724 bis du catalogue CEF”, “N° 545 bis”, as well as a reminder of the limited edition and the mention of the manufacturer CEF. The sheet is perforated with two holes on the left side, allowing for easy filing in a binder. The number “10833” is printed at the bottom, probably indicating the numbering of the print run.

The document presents a neat appearance, without tears or visible defects on the front. The colors remain vibrant and the print sharp, making it an ideal medium for showcasing a French commemorative stamp associated with a major historical site.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The front is clean, with no apparent defects, and the print and colors are well preserved. No creases, stains, or visible degradation in the photographed area.

Did you know? The citadel of Belle-Île-en-Mer is part of the vast network of fortifications designed by Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, military engineer to Louis XIV, whose work has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008 for several major sites. The citadel illustrates the mastery of French defensive techniques of the 17th century.

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Keywords: philatelic sheet, CEF, Belle-Île-en-Mer, Vauban, citadel, First Day stamp, Claude Haley, France 2.50 F stamp, French philately, FDC, Belle Ile stamp, French stamp sheet, postal history, military architecture