{"product_id":"lettre-premier-jour-exposition-philatelie-1974-mantes-la-jolie-timbre-centenaire","title":"First day cover Philatelic Exhibition 1974 Mantes-la-Jolie Centenary stamp","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAFW - Antique France Worldwide\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDescription\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThis illustrated envelope is a philatelic commemorative cover, of the \"first day\" type, issued on the occasion of the Commemorative Philatelic Exhibition of the Centenary of the Universal Postal Union in Mantes-la-Jolie, in 1974. On the visible side, there is a colorful postage stamp issued for the centenary, displaying stylized motifs in blue, green, and red hues, associated with a specific postmark dated October 16, 1974, and located in Mantes-la-Jolie (France).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe envelope also features a black printed illustration representing the event logo and the inscription: \"EXPOSITION PHILATELIQUE COMMEMORATIVE DU CENTENAIRE DE L’UNION POSTALE UNIVERSELLE MANTES LA JOLIE 16-17 OCTOBRE 1974\" (COMMEMORATIVE PHILATELIC EXHIBITION OF THE CENTENARY OF THE UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION MANTES LA JOLIE OCTOBER 16-17, 1974). The first day postmark is clear, with precise inscriptions, which confirms the authenticity of the cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn the upper left corner, there is a rectangular red stamp, partially legible, as well as a violet stamp in the lower right corner bearing the address \"SCOTEM, 11 Rue VOF (illegible), 75011 PARIS\". The cover is presented in a transparent protective sleeve, ensuring its preservation and enhancement. The black background highlights the graphic details of the exposed side.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis type of first day cover is a common medium in philately to commemorate major events related to the postal service or postal history. No details are visible concerning the back or the interior content; the description focuses exclusively on the side shown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe surface has a smooth texture and a clean appearance, with no major observable alterations on the visible side. The colors of the stamp are well preserved, the inscriptions are clear, and the plastic sleeve effectively protects the object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nUsed item, sold as is. The visible side shows no major apparent defects; the envelope is inserted in a protective plastic sleeve. General condition consistent with expectations for a philatelic piece from this era, with clear inscriptions and postmarks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid you know?\u003c\/b\u003e  \nThe Universal Postal Union (UPU), founded in 1874, enabled the unification of international postal systems and established common rules facilitating the exchange of mail worldwide. Philatelic exhibitions, such as the one in Mantes-la-Jolie in 1974, are often organized to commemorate major anniversaries in French and international postal history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAFW Reassurance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFast shipping and careful packaging. Professional seller, each item is prepared with attention to ensure its protection during transport.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eKeywords: first day cover, FDC, commemorative cover, 1974 stamp, Philatelic Exhibition, Universal Postal Union, Mantes-la-Jolie, postmark, philately, franked letter, France stamp cover, event philately\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AFW","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54322469470535,"sku":"51310-d625b093-eafc-4887-a433-4585f2d8eb89-PA0.15","price":1.39,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0989\/5152\/8775\/files\/s-l1600_4d8588ec-806a-4ca7-8e40-af74932c6042.jpg?v=1783690648","url":"https:\/\/shop.antiquefranceworldwide.com\/en\/products\/lettre-premier-jour-exposition-philatelie-1974-mantes-la-jolie-timbre-centenaire","provider":"AFW","version":"1.0","type":"link"}