{"product_id":"lettre-1er-jour-tunnel-sous-la-manche-calais-fdc-vintage-philatelie-rare","title":"Letter First Day Channel Tunnel Calais FDC vintage rare philately","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAFW - Antique France Worldwide\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDescription\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrench First Day Cover (FDC) dedicated to the inauguration of the Channel Tunnel, illustrated on the visible side with a colorful graphic composition representing the structure and its engineering symbols. The envelope features two cancelled stamps, one at 2.80 F and the other at 4.30 F, both dedicated to the Channel Tunnel and featuring stylized motifs evoking the maritime and rail crossing between France and England.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn the upper left is an artistic illustration titled \"LE TUNNEL SOUS LA MANCHE\" (THE CHANNEL TUNNEL), signed by the artist L. Guerineau. The dominant colors are blue, red, black, and white, with a dynamic perspective effect on the tunnel and graphic rays. The two stamps, positioned on the right, each feature a modern graphic illustration, with explicit mention \"TUNNEL SOUS LA MANCHE\" and clearly legible face values.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe visible side of this First Day Cover features two round \"PREMIER JOUR\" (FIRST DAY) postmarks dated May 7, 1994, with the mention \"CALAIS\" and \"TUNNEL SOUS LA MANCHE\" — official cancellation marks attesting to the philatelic release date. An additional purple \"PREMIER JOUR D’EMISSION FIRST DAY COVER\" stamp is also visible below the printed mention \"LE TUNNEL SOUS LA MANCHE.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe entire piece is presented on a natural wood background, highlighting the letter's state of preservation. No major defects or significant creases appear on the illustrated side. The visible corners and edges are clean, with no signs of snags or apparent alteration. The colors of the illustrations and stamps remain vibrant and contrasted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis type of FDC (First Day Cover) is typical of French philately from the last quarter of the 20th century, with particular attention paid to graphic presentation and the commemoration of major engineering or contemporary historical events.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsed item, sold as is. Illustrated side in very good overall condition, with no major visible defects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid you know?\u003c\/b\u003e The Channel Tunnel, inaugurated in 1994, connects France and the United Kingdom over a distance of more than 50 km, 37 km of which are undersea. It is the longest undersea tunnel in the world, an engineering feat that required more than six years of work and mobilized thousands of workers on both sides of the Channel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAFW Reassurance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCareful packaging and fast shipping ensured by a professional seller specializing in antique and philatelic items.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eKeywords: first day cover, FDC France, commemorative letter, Channel Tunnel, 1994 stamp, antique philately, rare French cover, Calais Channel Tunnel, Eurotunnel stamp, illustrated letter, FDC Channel Tunnel, philately France, French stamp cover\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AFW","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54233326289223,"sku":"b5bb3fc2-127d-4bc5-b1de-dfe860338598-PA0.24","price":2.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0989\/5152\/8775\/files\/1_c28986cd-6053-43d0-b102-c1604d131f84.jpg?v=1782445527","url":"https:\/\/shop.antiquefranceworldwide.com\/en\/products\/lettre-1er-jour-tunnel-sous-la-manche-calais-fdc-vintage-philatelie-rare","provider":"AFW","version":"1.0","type":"link"}