CEF Philatelic sheet The Houbara Bustard 500F stamp bird France

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This illustrated CEF philatelic sheet is dedicated to the Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus Serrator), an aquatic bird well-known to ornithology enthusiasts. The visible side features a carefully composed design with a large central illustration of a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers, created by Marie-Noëlle Goffin. The scene shows the distinctive black and white plumage of the male, with a long, spiky crest, and the more discreetly feathered female. The whole is set off by a sober brown frame, which highlights the illustration and the descriptive text.

In the bottom left, a French 500F postage stamp matching the illustration, accompanied by a legible first-day postmark: "Protection des espèces protégées – 6 février 1993 – VILLARS-LES-DOMBES". The text on the right describes in detail the characteristics and lifestyle of the Red-breasted Merganser, highlighting its biological and ecological peculiarities.

The sheet bears the mention "N° 1116 du catalogue CEF" in the top left, a guarantee of authenticity for this type of philatelic issue. An individual number, 5804, appears in the bottom left, indicating a limited print run. The surface of the sheet has a smooth and shiny appearance, typical of CEF productions, with clear and apparently flawless printing on the visible side.

Visual elements such as the stamp, the postmark, the naturalist illustrations, and the elegant typography give this piece real documentary and aesthetic value. The packaging and presentation evoke the professional standards of French philately of the 1990s.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The visible side is clean, without noticeable creases or stains. The edges and print appear well preserved. No major defects are visible on the presented surface.

Internal reference

(N° 1116 du catalogue CEF – 5804)

Did you know? The Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) is a protected species in France, particularly in Brittany where it regularly overwinters. This diving duck is known for its ability to swim underwater for long distances to catch fish, its main food source. The stamp associated with this sheet was designed by artist Marie-Noëlle Goffin, recognized for her highly accurate animal illustrations.

AFW Reassurance

Fast shipping and careful packaging by a professional seller specializing in philately and French collectibles.

Keywords: CEF sheet, first day cover, Red-breasted Merganser, Mergus serrator, bird France, French philately, FDC bird stamp, Marie-Noëlle Goffin, limited edition, ornithology postmark, stamped documentation, 500F stamp, French bird stamp