First Day Cover Alain Gerbault FDC 1974 illustrated philately

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Illustrated First Day Cover (FDC) philatelic letter, dedicated to Alain Gerbault, a famous French navigator. This commemorative envelope features a stylized portrait of Alain Gerbault on the left, against a tropical landscape background with palm trees, a wooden hut, and a sailboat at sea, drawn in blue, green, brown, and black tones. The graphic design is typical of 1970s postal illustrations, with a rich and detailed composition.

At the top of the letter is the inscription "PREMIER JOUR D’ÉMISSION N° 703 HISTORIQUE F.D.C." (FIRST DAY OF ISSUE NO. 703 HISTORIC F.D.C.), indicating that it is an official first day cover. The illustration bears the inscription "Tour du Monde par Alain Gerbault 1923-1929" (Around the World by Alain Gerbault 1923-1929). The legible round postal cancellation indicates the date January 10, 1974, in Laval (53), with the inscription "TOUR DU MONDE PAR ALAIN GERBAULT PREMIER JOUR" (AROUND THE WORLD BY ALAIN GERBAULT FIRST DAY) and the stylized portrait reproduced in a medallion.

A stamp matching the illustration is visible on the right, on the theme of Alain Gerbault, graphically coordinated with the entire letter. The letter is protected by a transparent plastic film, which helps preserve its visual condition. A small handwritten or printed insert indicates "12F" at the bottom right of the visible face.

The visible surface shows no major defects: the letter appears clean, with no apparent creases or tears on the front. The printing of the motifs and text remains clear, and the first-day cancellation is clearly affixed. The whole shows a neat presentation, characteristic of commemorative philatelic envelopes.

The legible inscriptions, the Alain Gerbault theme, and the precise date make it a targeted item for maritime and historical thematic philately. The letter is a representative example of French FDC issues from the 1970s, with its original illustration and first-day cancellation.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Presence of a protective plastic film. The visible surface shows no major defects. The overall appearance is clean and well preserved.

Did you know? Alain Gerbault (1893-1941) was the first Frenchman to complete a solo circumnavigation of the world by sailboat between 1923 and 1929. His exploits inspired several philatelic issues, including this 1974 First Day of Issue, published to commemorate his voyages and his influence on recreational sailing.

AFW Reassurance

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