Philatelic souvenir sheet CEF Brantôme 1.80 F canceled Dordogne bridge illustration

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This philatelic sheet, published by the CEF (Centrale d'Édition Philatélique Française), honors the town of Brantôme, in Dordogne. On the visible side, it features a large color illustration depicting the Renaissance bridge crossing the Dronne river, with Brantôme Abbey and the surrounding historic buildings in the background. The image, signed "Piazza," offers nuanced shades, from the deep blue of the river to the ocher tones of the bridge and the greens of the surrounding landscape.

In the upper right, the sheet includes a "1.80 Brantôme" postage stamp, canceled with a perfectly legible round postmark dated "8 FEVR. 1986 BRANTOME". Next to the stamp, the name of the commune is in capital letters, along with the name of the engraving artist, Pierre Béquet, indicated below the stamp and illustration section.

The sheet is framed with a golden border and printed on white cardstock, with a meticulous layout. The lower part contains a detailed text about the history and architectural heritage of Brantôme, written in French, as well as a description of the main monuments visible in the illustration. The visible corners are sharp, with no creases or apparent chips on the exposed side.

This sheet is presented in a two-hole punched plastic sleeve, typical of CEF editions, with the mention "N° 660 du catalogue CEF" on the left side strip. The individual number "6675" appears in the bottom left, confirming its belonging to a limited series. The printed mentions on the side strip specify the print run and commercial distribution.

The print quality, both in terms of text and image, is clean and without smudges. The sheet has a glossy and well-preserved appearance on the visible side, with the sleeve providing effective protection against direct handling.

Condition

Used item sold as is. The visible side has no notable defects, and the protective sleeve is included. No discoloration, creases, or stains observed on the front.

Did you know? The CEF (Centrale d’Édition Philatélique Française) sheet is a widely used medium to showcase French philatelic issues, often combining a stamp, a first-day cancellation, and a local illustration. Brantôme, known as the "Venice of Périgord," boasts an abbey founded in the 8th century, whose bell tower is considered one of the oldest in France.

AFW Reassurance

Fast shipping and careful packaging by a professional specializing in philatelic and historical items.

Keywords: philatelic sheet, CEF, Brantôme Dordogne, canceled stamp, bridge illustration, France issue, French philately, First Day, Piazza illustrator, souvenir card, FDC France, French FDC, commemorative sheet