Stamp sheet CEF Épicéa 1985 France illustrated botanical stamp

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This philatelic sheet published by CEF features a neat layout dedicated to spruce, with a full-color botanical illustration occupying the right side. On the left is a printed explanatory text detailing the characteristics of spruce, an emblematic tree of French forests, as well as its uses. The sheet includes an original illustrated stamp depicting a spruce branch and cone, accompanied by its first-day cancellation dated September 21, 1985, in Orléans.

The main visual combines a faithful representation of the spruce, its persistent needles, and a close-up cone, as well as a stylized forest landscape in the background. The illustration, signed by Huguette Sainson, provides a precise and colorful graphic rendering, typical of French philatelic productions of the second half of the 20th century. The integrated stamp bears the inscription "Nature de France – Arbres de nos forêts" (Nature of France – Trees of our forests) and a face value of 5.00 F, with a specific illustrated postmark for this issue.

At the top left of the page, we find the mention "N°788 du catalogue CEF" (No. 788 of the CEF catalog) and several inscriptions related to the edition. The sheet also has an individual copy number visible at the bottom left: 2853. The whole is printed on smooth white paper, with a thin brown border framing the central part.

The visible side shows the entirety of the graphic and textual composition, with no apparent signs of wear or significant visual defects. No details are observable regarding the reverse or other sides.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The displayed side is clean, with vibrant colors. No snags or visible creases on the exposed part.

Did you know? Spruce (Picea abies) is one of the most common conifers in European forests. It is widely used for paper production, construction timber, and musical instruments, particularly the soundboards of violins and pianos, thanks to its exceptional acoustic qualities.

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Keywords: CEF stamp sheet, spruce, tree France, botanical philately, first day, FDC France, illustrated stamp, Huguette Sainson, fir, conifer, forest tree, spruce stamp, botanical cover