FDC Europa Box, 1965

Product detailed description

Condition: good

Dimensions: 16 cm x 11.2 cm

Boxing philately from East Berlin! A first day cover, in German Ersttagsbrief, issued for the 16th European Boxing Championships held in Berlin from 23 to 29 May 1965. On the left, a black cachet of two boxers in action and the red inscription Europameisterschaften im Boxen. On the right, the complete pair of GDR stamps for the championships: the 10+5 Pf surcharge stamp with crossed red and blue gloves on gold, and the 20 Pf with a gold glove in a laurel wreath on red. The stamps are uncancelled. A fine piece for sports philatelists.

Facts at a glance

• Item: first day cover (FDC, Ersttagsbrief) with cachet, uncancelled
• Event: 16th European Boxing Championships (XVI. Europameisterschaften im Boxen), Berlin, 23–29 May 1965
• Country of issue: German Democratic Republic (GDR)
• Stamps: 10+5 Pf (crossed boxing gloves, gold field) and 20 Pf (glove in laurel wreath, red field), complete set
• Cachet: drawing of two boxers in action, inscriptions Ersttagsbrief and Europameisterschaften im Boxen, Berlin 23.–29. Mai 1965
• Sport: boxing

Expert note – FAQ

What is a first day cover (FDC)?
A first day cover, or FDC, is an envelope with stamps affixed and cancelled with a special postmark on the first day of their validity. It often carries a themed cachet relating to the event the stamps commemorate. For collectors it is valued as a record of the stamp’s issue.

Is an uncancelled FDC collectable?
A cover with a cachet and stamps but no postmark is usually described as an uncancelled FDC. Collectors generally value it less than a cover with a first day postmark, as proof of the date is missing. It is still of interest for thematic collections, especially when it carries a complete set.

When were the European Boxing Championships held in Berlin?
The 16th European Amateur Boxing Championships took place in East Berlin from 23 to 29 May 1965. The GDR issued a pair of commemorative stamps for the event. Boxing is one of the most popular themes in sports philately, alongside the Olympic Games and football.