Philatelic sheet CEF Belle-Île-en-Mer Vauban The Citadel signed stamp Hale

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This philatelic sheet issued by CEF features a color illustration of the Vauban citadel in Belle-Île-en-Mer, created by the artist Claude Haley. The left part of the sheet has a white framed area with visible perforations, typical of sheets intended for filing. On the right side, the main visual highlights a watercolor depicting the citadel overlooking the harbor, with precise details of the ramparts, moored boats, and the sea in the foreground.

The illustration is accompanied by an explanatory text titled "BELLE-ILE EN MER – VAUBAN LA CITADELLE," tracing the history and architecture of the site. The text is printed in black on a white background, with careful layout and elegant typography that enhances the historical subject.

The sheet includes a matching stamp, also illustrated by Claude Haley, with a face value of 2.50. The stamp is canceled with a commemorative postmark dated May 18, 1984, bearing the inscription "VAUBAN LA CITADELLE – 56360 LE PALAIS." This First Day cancellation enhances the philatelic interest of the item.

On the left side, you can find the mention "Émission CEF" accompanied by catalog number 724 from CEF. The sheet is identified as a limited edition, with the indication "Tirage de l’émission limité à : 33 200 exemplaires" (Limited edition print run: 33,200 copies), which makes it a valuable resource for research on postal history or the theme of French fortifications.

The sheet shown here is in good overall condition, with no major apparent flaws on the presented face. The colors of the illustration remain vibrant and the text perfectly legible. The side perforations are clean, suitable for binder filing.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The visible side shows no tears or notable stains. The cancellation and illustration remain well-defined.

Did you know? Artist Claude Haley, known for his philatelic illustrations, signed many stamps and sheets for CEF in the 1980s. First Day Issues associated with historical sites, such as the Vauban citadel in Belle-Île-en-Mer, are sought after for the quality of their illustration and their documentary value concerning French architectural heritage.

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Keywords: first day sheet, CEF philately, Belle-Île-en-Mer, Vauban citadel, Haley stamp, limited edition, special cancellation, philatelic card, France stamp, French FDC, postal history, military architecture