Old postcard Arras 14-18 The Ruins Great War cancelled stamp

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This old postcard depicts an emblematic view of Arras' Grand Place after the destruction of the First World War. The black and white image shows a detailed panorama of the ruins and damaged buildings, visible in the background, with several partially collapsed structures. In the center of the cobbled square, canons and military carts can be distinguished, testifying to the historical context of the shot. To the right, a column or pillar occupies the foreground, adding depth to the scene.

The card displays a composition characteristic of early 20th-century documentary photographs, with great sharpness in architectural and urban details. The presence of two human silhouettes walking side by side is noticeable, accentuating the atmosphere of desolation and reconstruction typical of the post-war period. The sepia tones and the grain of the image reinforce the authenticity of this period piece.

In the upper left, a red 10-centimes stamp of the French Republic is postmarked, with a postal stamp marked "PAS DE CALAIS." The clearly visible postage attests to the card's circulated nature, a detail sought after by collectors of old correspondence.

The bottom of the card features the printed caption: "511 LES RUINES DE LA GRANDE GUERRE. ? Arras. Vue d?ensemble de la Grande Place, vue prise sous les Arcades. Great War Ruins. ? Arras. ? General view of the great square seen under the Arcades. ? LL." The mention "Vise Paris n°511" specifies the publisher and reference of this historical edition.

The displayed side shows no handwritten annotations, only the photograph and the original printed elements. The overall condition shows some signs of age, including a slight patina, rounded corners, and moderate wear, typical of postcards that traveled in the early 20th century.

Condition

Used item sold as is, with signs of wear, patina, and slightly marked corners. Stamped and postmarked, with no visible writing on the photo side.

Did you know? The city of Arras was one of the symbols of urban destruction during the First World War. Its Grand Place, of Flemish inspiration, was largely rebuilt identically in the 1920s, becoming a remarkable example of post-conflict heritage restoration.

AFW Reassurance

Fast shipping and careful packaging, professional processing by a seller specialized in postcards and old documents.

Keywords: Arras postcard, antique CPA, WW1 postcard, Great War, 14-18 ruins, postmarked card, Pas-de-Calais, historical photo, Arras square, antique French card, postcard ruins, square view card