Old Postcard Steam Collier Fécamp Maritime Early 20th Century

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This old postcard features a black and white photograph of a coal-fired steamship entering the port of Fécamp, as indicated by the inscription printed at the top: "FÉCAMP. – Arrival of a Coal Steamship." The maritime scene showcases a typical early 20th-century steamship, recognizable by its cylindrical funnel, two large vertical masts, and dark hull. Several structural details are visible, including the bridge, the fore and aft superstructures, and rigging elements characteristic of steam navigation during that period.

The shot is centered on the ship, which cuts through the sea with a slight bow wave, highlighting the authenticity of the photograph. The card adopts a classic rectangular format, with straight edges and a matte surface typical of old postcards. The sepia/black and white photographic rendering, as well as the typography used for the caption, confirm an antique aesthetic, likely from the 1900s-1920s.

The overall condition of the visible side of the card shows good readability of the image and text, with no major stains or apparent tears. There is a slight age-related patina, typical of vintage postcards, as well as a handwritten number "20" inscribed at the top right, a common detail on old series.

The background on which the card rests is a tray or a patinated wooden surface, but this does not affect the item itself. No other elements or annotations are visible on the presented side.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The card shows slight wear consistent with its age, with no major defects visible on the front.

Did you know? Coal-fired steamships were essential vessels for supplying European ports in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Fécamp, a Norman port, was long a strategic point for coal trade, particularly with England, which explains the frequency of such scenes on old postcards.

AFW Reassurance

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Keywords: old postcard, coal steamship, Fécamp, vintage marine, steamship, port scene, early 20th century, old boat, marine card, old postcard, steamboat, marine photo card