First Day Cover Hansen 1973 stamp postmark envelope philately FDC

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This First Day Cover (FDC) features a commemorative stamp issued in honor of Gerhard Armauer Hansen (1841-1912), famous for his work on leprosy. The main visual of the stamp shows a portrait of Hansen accompanied by a microscope and an illustration of bacilli, characteristic elements of the scientific theme addressed. The stamp is framed with a golden border and bears the inscription "Modèle déposé Exclusivité D.P.P." (Registered Design Exclusive to D.P.P.) in the upper left corner. The artist's signature "Detraz" appears on the stamp, confirming a specific illustrated design for this issue.

The envelope is franked and postmarked with two legible round black postmarks: "Centenaire de la découverte du bacille de la lèpre - Premier jour - Paris 23-6-73" (Centenary of the discovery of the leprosy bacillus - First Day - Paris 23-6-73). These postmarks authenticate the issue date and the commemoration of the centenary of the discovery of Hansen's bacillus. A second, smaller stamp, also featuring Hansen, completes the franking on the lower right part of the envelope.

The front of the envelope is protected by a transparent plastic film. The inscriptions "Premier jour d’émission" (First Day of Issue) and "First Day Cover" are clearly visible printed in blue, as well as a white box in the lower left corner marked "10F" (face value or period tariff). The overall layout is typical of commemorative envelopes issued for major philatelic events.

The visible side shows no handwritten text or address. The observed general condition reveals a well-preserved period envelope, visually clean under its protection, with some reflections and creases on the plastic film. No tears or major defects are visible on the exposed surface. The colors of the stamp remain vibrant and the impressions clear.

This type of First Day Cover is particularly sought after for the quality of its illustration, the clarity of its postmarks, and the commemoration of major scientific figures. It is ideal for any philatelic or thematic display concerning the history of medicine and bacterial research.

Condition

Used item, sold as observed. Plastic protection present, good visual condition with no apparent defects on the front.

Did you know? Gerhard Armauer Hansen is the Norwegian physician who discovered the bacillus responsible for leprosy, called Mycobacterium leprae, in 1873. His discovery marked a major turning point in the understanding and treatment of this infectious disease, long feared worldwide.

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Keywords: first day cover, FDC, commemorative stamp, postmark, Gerhard Hansen, French philately, scientific stamp, 1973 cancellation, leprosy bacillus, illustrated letter, philately