Vintage postcard ocean liner Paris Compagnie Générale Transatlantique

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This old postcard shows a black and white photographic view of the liner "Paris" of the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique. The card is laid flat, showing the illustrated side with a snapshot of the famous four-funnel ship, typical of the large transatlantic liners of the early 20th century. The image highlights the imposing profile of the ship, with its superimposed decks, masts, and clearly visible maritime architectural details. The scene is calm, the liner being depicted on the open sea with a smooth water surface and a clear sky. The contrast between the different shades of grey gives the photograph an authentic look, emblematic of old maritime postcards.

The printed caption at the bottom of the card specifies: "Le Paquebot 'Paris' de la Compagnie Générale Transatlantique", followed by technical characteristics such as length, width, tonnage, power, passenger capacity by class, and crew. This information reinforces the historical and documentary interest of the piece, as does the period typography used for the inscriptions. No reverse side is visible in the photo; only the illustrated front is described.

The outline of the card shows a slight patina, typical of old papers, with straight edges and some visible signs of age. No major tears or pronounced creases are visible on the displayed side. In the upper right corner, a handwritten annotation "40F" in pencil is noticeable, a common practice on old cards for identification or pricing during previous sales.

The general style, monochrome photography, and layout correspond to maritime postcard productions from the first half of the 20th century, particularly the 1920s-1930s, the period of activity of the liner Paris. The lack of colour and the quality of the print reinforce the vintage authenticity of this piece of naval correspondence.

The card is presented on an old piece of furniture with a worn surface, which only affects the photographic presentation and not the condition of the object itself.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The card shows an age patina and slight superficial marks visible on the front, with no apparent structural defects on the illustrated part. Discreet handwritten annotation in the upper right corner.

Did you know? The liner Paris, commissioned in 1921 by the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique, was one of the jewels of the French fleet and could carry more than 1,800 passengers. It was renowned for its interior luxury and technical innovations, embodying the modernity of transatlantic crossings in the interwar period.

AFW Reassurance

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Keywords: postcard liner, transatlantic Paris, CGT, old ship card, Compagnie Générale Transatlantique, vintage maritime card, liner postcard, French ocean liner, old boat card, naval photography, 1920s postcard, ship postcard France