Vintage postcard Reims City Hall ruins War 1914-18

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This old postcard depicts Reims City Hall in ruins, as it appeared after the bombardments of the First World War. The black and sepia illustration, lightly colorized in the sky, highlights the devastated facade of the municipal building, with its gutted floors, gaping windows, and standing chimneys, striking remnants of a period marked by destruction. The foreground shows a vast, empty paved square, accentuating the atmosphere of desolation and the historical importance of this view.

In the upper right, the printed inscription "13. ? REIMS. ? Hôtel de Ville. Mayoralty." authenticates the illustrated site and suggests a production intended for both French and English-speaking audiences. In the upper left, an editor's monogram "CR" in a circle is visible, typical of early 20th-century postal imagery. The dominant colors are brown and sepia tones for the architecture, contrasting with a pastel blue sky, typical of the manual coloring process used in the 1910s-1920s.

The card has a classic rectangular format, with slightly rounded corners. The visual highlights the symmetrical structure of the building, the architectural lines, and the visible marks of shell impact: pierced walls, destroyed ornaments, total absence of a roof. No handwritten text or stamp is visible on the presented side.

The contrast between the majesty of the building and its ruined state makes this card a poignant photographic document, a direct witness to the history of Reims during the Great War. The ensemble faithfully recreates the post-war atmosphere and constitutes a historical medium for urban and heritage iconography.

Condition

Used postcard, sold as is. The image shows slight corner wear, a small visible mark near the upper inscription, and a general patina consistent with its age.

Did you know? Reims City Hall was severely damaged during the German bombardments of 1917. Its facade, as shown on this card, became a symbol of the city's resilience. After the war, the building was reconstructed identically, preserving its original architectural style.

AFW Reassurance

Professional shipping, careful packaging, and fast dispatch from France. We pay special attention to the preservation of each historical object.

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