Bet Alpha Zodiac Bale MS2 Day of Issue FDC
OVERVIEW
Offered is a 1957 Israel unaddressed First Day Cover commemorating TABIL, the International Philatelic Exhibition held in Tel Aviv-Yafo.
The cover bears the complete TABIL souvenir sheet cataloged as Scott 132 and Bale MS.2, cancelled with special Tel Aviv-Yafo exhibition datestamps dated 17 September 1957.
This is an attractive early State of Israel philatelic exhibition cover combining Judaica, synagogue archaeology, zodiac imagery, and international stamp exhibition history.
FRANKING & POSTAL HISTORY
The cover is franked with the complete TABIL souvenir sheet, consisting of four denominations arranged around the central design: 100, 200, 300, and 400 Pruta.
The sheet depicts the ancient Bet Alpha synagogue zodiac mosaic, one of the best-known archaeological art subjects used in early Israeli philately.
The souvenir sheet is cataloged as Scott 132 and Bale MS.2.
It is tied by multiple special Tel Aviv-Yafo TABIL exhibition circular datestamps dated 17.9.57.
The cover also bears the official black hexagonal Day of Issue handstamp and the blue TABIL exhibition cachet showing the running gazelle and envelope emblem.
CONTEXT & COLLECTOR APPEAL
The TABIL souvenir sheet commemorates Israel’s international philatelic exhibition and reflects the young state’s effort to present Jewish history, archaeology, and national culture through stamp design.
The central Bet Alpha zodiac mosaic links the issue to late antique synagogue art and Judaic archaeological heritage, while the exhibition inscriptions in Hebrew and French give the item broader international presentation.
Because the cover is unaddressed, the large-format souvenir sheet, TABIL cachet, Day of Issue handstamp, and exhibition postmarks remain the dominant visual elements.
This gives the cover strong appeal for collectors of Israel FDCs, Judaica, zodiac and astronomy topicals, synagogue archaeology, souvenir sheets, and philatelic exhibition material.
ITEM SPECIFICS
Country: Israel
Year: 1957
Type: First Day Cover
Topic: Israel TABIL Bet Alpha Zodiac Souvenir Sheet FDC
Theme: Judaica Philatelic Exhibition Zodiac Art
Subject: Bet Alpha Synagogue Zodiac Mosaic
Era: Early State of Israel
Region: Tel Aviv-Yafo Israel
Stamp Color: Multicolored
Stamp Denomination: 100 200 300 400 Pruta
Currency: Israeli Pruta
Printing Method: Photogravure
Paper Type: Standard Cover Stock
Cancellation Type: Special Exhibition First Day CDS with Day-of-Issue Handstamp
Cancellation Date: 17 September 1957
Postmark Location: Tel Aviv-Yafo Israel
Scott Number: 132
Bale Number: MS.2
Features: TABIL Exhibition Cachet Bet Alpha Zodiac Souvenir Sheet
Custom SKU: ISRAEL-1957-SC132-TABIL-ZODIAC-FDC
CONDITION
Original unaddressed first day cover in collectible condition.
The envelope shows visible age toning, light mottling, and handling wear consistent with 1950s paper stock and long-term storage. The souvenir sheet remains intact and well presented, with multiple Tel Aviv-Yafo exhibition datestamps tying it to the cover. The black Day of Issue handstamp and blue TABIL exhibition cachet remain clear and attractive.
Reverse is blank with normal envelope fold structure and age-related toning.
Please review all high-resolution photographs carefully to determine exact condition.