CEF Famous Men of Grasse Gautier Stamps Philatelic Sheet

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This illustrated philatelic sheet, published by CEF (Carterie d'Édition Philatélique Française), honors the "Les Hommes Célèbres" (Famous Men) series. It features a central visual composition with two engraved and stylized portraits: on the left, François Joseph Paul de Grasse, a French admiral, and on the right, Théophile Gautier, a writer. The illustrations are rendered in sepia, black, gold, and green tones, evoking a historical aesthetic. The sheet also includes two French postage stamps, each canceled with a first-day postmark, accompanied by corresponding portraits and the mentions "Anniv. de Grasse" and "Théophile Gautier".

The sheet is printed on white cardboard with a matte finish and has a perforated left margin, typical of CEF editions, facilitating insertion into a philatelic album. The French text printed on either side of the illustrations details the biography and achievements of the two personalities. Several mentions are visible: at the top left, "N° 212 S. du Catalogue CEF", "Série N° Soire", and at the bottom left, "Limited edition 11350 copies", with the individual number "5938".

The central graphic composition includes symbolic elements: a maritime scene for De Grasse, recalling the Battle of the Chesapeake in 1781, and literary elements for Gautier. The two illustrated, commemorative-type postmarks bear the date 9-9-1972 and the text "Anniv. de Grasse", confirming the event-specific nature of this sheet.

The sheet bears the mention "ÉDITIONS CEF, 2, RUE DE L'HOTEL DE SOTENIS, NICE", a classic signature of this publishing house specializing in philatelic souvenirs. The item is in good overall condition, with no visible folds or tears on the presented side. The surface shows a slight sheen in some areas, typical of CEF editions.

This type of document, also known as a "philatelic souvenir" or "first day sheet", is sought after for its dual value as a postal object and a historical medium, illustrating great French figures through philately.

Condition

Used item sold as is. The sheet appears clean on the visible side, with no major apparent defects. Original numbering and editorial mentions are clearly legible.

Did you know? CEF (Courrier d'Édition Philatélique Française) sheets are produced in limited editions, with first-day commemorative postmarks, to celebrate historical events or personalities. They have been published since the 1950s and are appreciated for the quality of their illustration and their documentary rigor.

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Keywords: philatelic sheet, CEF, France stamp, Les Hommes Célèbres, De Grasse, Gautier, first day souvenir, French philately, canceled document, limited edition, commemorative postmark, French stamp sheet