Philatelic sheet CEF Cordouan postmarked stamp lighthouse France

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This philatelic sheet published by the CEF honors the Cordouan Lighthouse, an emblematic monument of French maritime heritage. On the visible side, a careful composition can be distinguished, including an illustrated stamp dedicated to the Cordouan Lighthouse, accompanied by a first-day cancellation from the Verdon-sur-Mer post office. The central illustration, signed by Jacques Gauthier (Grand Prix de Rome for engraving and professor at the Beaux-Arts), presents an artistic representation of the lighthouse set against a nuanced blue background, evoking the marine atmosphere.

The sheet is characterized by an elegant layout, with a brown border and detailed explanatory text on the history and architecture of the Cordouan Lighthouse. The text, printed in black on a white background, occupies the lower part of the sheet and provides historical and technical insights into the monument. The whole is protected by a transparent plastic sleeve, specific to CEF editions, and the number 1529 appears in the bottom left, indicating a limited edition.

On the left-hand side strip, the publication details are found: "Édition CEF", "Modèle déposé" (Registered design), "Tirage limité" (Limited edition), as well as information on the number of copies printed on different media (paper and silk). The reference "N° 729 du catalogue CEF" is also visible, attesting to the authenticity and philatelic origin of this sheet. The rectangular format, crisp printing, and the presence of the canceled stamp make it a sought-after item by enthusiasts of thematic philately and French heritage.

The visual aspect of the sheet is distinguished by the contrast between the colorful illustration of the lighthouse and the sobriety of the text, creating a harmonious balance. The plastic sleeve effectively protects the printed side and the philatelic elements, ensuring good preservation of the whole. No major defects are visible on the presented side.

Condition

Used item sold as is. The visible side shows very good preservation, with no noticeable signs of wear, tears, or apparent stains. The plastic sleeve provides optimal protection for the sheet and the illustration.

Did you know? The Cordouan Lighthouse, located at the mouth of the Gironde, is the oldest active lighthouse in France and one of the few that is still manned. Its architecture, begun at the end of the 16th century, has been classified as a historical monument since 1862 and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2021.

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Keywords: philatelic sheet, CEF, Cordouan, France stamp, first day cancellation, French lighthouse, limited edition, philately, lighthouse stamp, maritime heritage, stamp on sheet, Jacques Gauthier illustration