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

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This illustrated philatelic souvenir sheet, published by Éditions CEF, highlights the Vauban citadel in Belle-Île-en-Mer. On the left side, there is a color illustration depicting the citadel overlooking the harbor, accompanied by small boats moored in the foreground. The image, signed by the artist Claude Haley, emphasizes the massive architecture of the fortifications as well as the natural tones of the stone and the sea.

The sheet includes an associated stamp, with a face value of 2.50 francs, reproducing the main motif of the citadel. This stamp is postmarked with a commemorative cachet "BELLE-ILE-EN-MER VAUBAN LA CITADELLE 56 LE PALAIS 28 MAI 1983" affixed to the lower left part, adding an official and philatelic touch to the whole.

On the right, a detailed text entitled "BELLE-ILE EN MER – VAUBAN LA CITADELLE" traces the history of the fortification, its strategic role, and the different phases of its construction, from Philip V to Vauban's intervention under Louis XIV. The structured layout, typical of CEF sheets, enhances both the iconography and the historical information.

The sheet features perforations on its left border for binder filing, as well as the mention "N° 724 du catalogue CEF" and "2831" at the bottom left. There is also the CEF label and information on the edition: "Limited edition of 20,300 copies. 13,500 on silk."

The whole is distinguished by the quality of the printing and the fineness of the graphic details, both on the main illustration and on the integrated stamp. The visual condition shows a clean surface and sharp corners, with no apparent defects on the visible side.

Condition

Used item sold as is. The sheet has a clean and well-preserved appearance on the visible side, with no noticeable signs of wear on the image or text visible in the photo.

Did you know? The acronym CEF stands for "Courrier d'Entreprise à la Française". Since the 1960s, CEF sheets have been appreciated for the richness of their illustrations and their limited print run, often accompanied by special postmarks related to the event or site commemorated.

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Keywords: philatelic sheet, CEF, Belle-Île-en-Mer, Vauban la Citadelle, postmarked stamp, limited edition, Claude Haley, commemorative cachet, France stamp, timbre France, stamped sheet, philately, French FDC, first day cover