CEF Belle-Île-en-Mer Vauban citadel stamp souvenir sheet 2.50 FR

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This illustrated philatelic sheet, published by CEF (Centrale d'Édition Philatélique Française), showcases Belle-Île-en-Mer and the Vauban citadel. The visible side features a meticulously composed illustration in color depicting the citadel at the water's edge, with sailboats and rowboats in the foreground, signed by artist Claude Haley. The artwork, with its warm and natural tones, highlights the ramparts and the coastal ambiance of Belle-Île.

The sheet incorporates a matching stamp, with a face value of 2.50 francs, reproducing a stylized view of the citadel. The stamp bears a First Day cancellation dated May 26, 1984, with the inscription "BELLE ILE EN MER VAUBAN LA CITADELLE 56 LE PALAIS". Next to the stamp, an inscription confirms that Claude Haley is the artist of both the drawing and the stamp.

The title "BELLE-ILE EN MER VAUBAN LA CITADELLE" appears at the top right of the sheet, accompanied by an explanatory text printed in black, recounting the history of the fortified building, its strategic role, and its construction phases, from Vauban to the contemporary era. The structured and elegant layout highlights the illustration, the stamp, and the text alike.

On the left-hand side strip, technical details are provided: "N° 724 du catalogue CEF", "CEF", "EAU ORIGINAL DE FRANCE ET FRANÇAIS", as well as the individual number "2852", indicating a limited edition. Two perforations are visible on the left side, suggesting a format intended for a binder or folder.

The paper has a light tone, with no apparent defects on the visible side. No tears, creases, or stains are observable in the provided photograph. The inscriptions are clear and legible, and the overall presentation is neat.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The sheet appears to be in very good overall condition on the visible side, with no major discernible defects. The colors of the illustration remain fresh, and the stamp and cancellation are clear.

Did you know? The citadel of Belle-Île-en-Mer, fortified by Vauban in the 17th century, was a major strategic point for the defense of the Breton coast. Illustrator Claude Haley produced numerous stamps and philatelic documents for the French Post during the 1980s.

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Keywords: philatelic sheet, Belle-Île-en-Mer, Vauban, citadel, CEF, First Day stamp, 1984 cancellation, Claude Haley, France stamp, philatelic document, FDC, philatelic cover