Vintage Marseille death certificate 1940s official document vital record

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This official document is a period death certificate, issued by the Bouches-du-Rhône department, Marseille district. It is an extract from the civil status register, dated to the 1940s, as attested by the handwritten notes and period typography. The document is presented open, revealing its two-fold structure, typical of French administrative acts from the mid-20th century.

The visible side features printed and handwritten inscriptions, with the heading "République Française - Ville de Marseille" (French Republic - City of Marseille) followed by the mention "Actes de Décès" (Death Certificates). A round official stamp "Marseille" is visible, as is a red tax stamp of 7.50 francs, a characteristic element of authentic civil status documents from this period. Several fields are filled in by typewriter and by hand, reflecting the administrative practices of the time.

The paper has a slightly patinated ivory hue, with marked creases indicating storage in a file or folder for several decades. No decoration is present; only the administrative text occupies the page, in keeping with the sobriety of French official documents. The visible edges and corners are clean, with no apparent tears or missing parts on the exposed section.

In the background, an old wooden bookcase and bound books are visible, reinforcing the heritage character of the document. The calligraphy and format attest to an administrative style typical of the 1940s, with a rigorous presentation and structured layout.

The information visible on the page includes the department name, act number, date of drafting, name of the civil status officer, as well as partial information about the person concerned (text partially obscured or illegible in some fields). The mention "Pour extrait conforme" (Certified True Copy) and the handwritten signature attest to the authenticity of this period document.

Condition

Used document in good overall condition for its age, with signs of use, visible creases, and handling marks. Sold as is.

Did you know? Tax stamps affixed to French death certificates were mandatory until 1948 to validate the authenticity of official documents. The amount, here 7.50 francs, varied depending on the nature of the act and the period, and today allows for precise dating of certain old administrative documents.

AFW Reassurance

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Keywords: Marseille death certificate, civil status extract, old official document, vintage administrative paper, Bouches-du-Rhône archive, 1940 tax stamp, original death certificate, old French death certificate, authentic 1940s document, French civil status paper, vintage legal document, old French archive