Old prefectural order Bouches-du-Rhône Marseille 1945 tax stamps

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This official document, visible in the photo, is a prefectural order issued by the Bouches-du-Rhône prefecture, dated 1945, in the immediate post-war period. It is a typewritten administrative document, with a header at the top of the page featuring the official seal of the French Republic and the prefecture, as well as the handwritten mention "Année 1945" (Year 1945).

The document is titled "ARRÊTÉ" (ORDER), with the mention of the Prefect of Bouches-du-Rhône. A classic administrative structure of the era can be distinguished, with reference to the Légion d’Honneur and several numbered articles. The order concerns the "Société des Anciens Entrepreneurs Léon Chaland et Fils" (Former Contractors Léon Chaland and Sons Company), authorizing the use of land in the Port de la Lave area in Marseille. Several stamps and handwritten signatures are visible in the upper part, attesting to its administrative authenticity.

On the left side of the document, three 20-franc fiscal stamps are affixed, postmarked with the mention "DOMAINE DE L’ETAT" (STATE DOMAIN), typical of French administrative taxation in the 1940s. These well-preserved stamps add to the historical and visual value of the piece. The typewritten text is generally legible, although slightly yellowed by time, testifying to its age.

The paper exhibits a uniform patina, with a slight rippling effect and some signs of wear on the edges, characteristic of archival documents from this period. The document is presented flat, on an old wooden background, suggesting a respectful conservation context for its history. No verso or details about the back are visible in the photo.

Condition

This old document is pre-owned and sold as is, with signs of use (yellowed paper, slightly creased edges, small handling marks). The main visual elements, seals, fiscal stamps, and text, remain clearly visible and legible on the photographed side.

Did you know? Prefectural orders were often accompanied by fiscal stamps until the 1950s, which served to authenticate and validate administrative acts in France. The stamps affixed to this type of document are now sought after for their documentary and philatelic value, reflecting the administrative functioning of the time.

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Keywords: arrêté préfectoral, document administratif ancien, Bouches-du-Rhône, Marseille, timbre fiscal, papier dactylographié, archive vintage, France 1945, document officiel, papier timbré, arrêté original, official decree, French legal document