Philatelic Sheet CEF Red-breasted Merganser Mergus Serrator 500F France stamp

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This CEF philatelic sheet honors the Red-breasted Merganser, an aquatic bird whose scientific name is Mergus Serrator. The visible side of the sheet features a large color illustration depicting a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers in their natural environment, created by Marie-Noëlle Goffin. The male bird, easily recognizable by its distinctive black crest and contrasting plumage, is in the foreground, while a female appears in the background on a stylized body of water.

In the bottom left corner, the sheet incorporates a 5.00 F French postage stamp also illustrating the Red-breasted Merganser, accompanied by a clear commemorative postmark bearing the inscription "Protection des espèces protégées" (Protection of protected species) and a stylized representation of the bird. This arrangement highlights both the stamp and the first-day postmark, sought-after features in thematic philately.

The sheet is framed by a brown border and features a meticulous layout: on the left, the title "LE HARLE HUPPE" is printed in black capital letters, followed by the Latin name. On the right, a detailed text in French describes the specific characteristics of the species, its habitat, feeding habits, and reproduction, within a white-background box.

On the left margin, the mention "N° 1116 du catalogue CEF" (CEF catalog N° 1116) attests to its official CEF reference, while the limited edition is indicated by the numbering "5807" in the bottom left. The sheet is inserted into a transparent plastic sleeve, ensuring its protection, and the edges of the support are decorated with discreet graphic patterns.

The printing quality, the clarity of the inscriptions, and the overall state of preservation appear very satisfactory on the visible side. No defects, creases, or stains are observable on the exposed area.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The displayed side is in very good visual condition, with no apparent defects.

Did you know? The Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) is a diving duck found on European coasts and estuaries. Its name comes from the male's horizontal crest. In French philately, CEF (Courrier d’Entreprise à Faciale) sheets are renowned for their limited edition and their systematic association of a stamp and a first-day postmark, making them prime pieces for ornithological themes.

AFW Reassurance

Careful packaging and fast shipping assured by a specialized professional seller. Your purchase will receive special attention to guarantee its safety and presentation upon delivery.

Keywords: philatelic sheet, CEF, first day cover, ornithology, Red-breasted Merganser, Mergus Serrator, France stamp, special cancellation, thematic philately, aquatic birds, French stamp sheet, bird FDC, CEF bird stamp sheet