Postcard ship PÉLION Fraissinet Co. maritime black and white liner

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This old postcard depicts the "PÉLION" ship of the Compagnie Fraissinet, a French shipping company well-known for its Mediterranean routes. The black and white photograph shows the steamship in profile, moving on a calm body of water. The inscription visible at the top left specifies the name of the ship ("PÉLION") followed by "Cie Fraissinet". The liner, with its elongated silhouette, features a smoking funneled smokestack, several masts, and superstructures typical of late 19th or early 20th-century steamships.

The background scenery reveals a shoreline with port buildings, suggesting a Mediterranean port, probably Marseille, the historical home port of the Compagnie Fraissinet. The black and white photographic rendering highlights the ship's structure and the period port atmosphere. The rectangular format of the postcard is classic, with straight edges and a matte surface, typical of early 20th-century editions.

The postcard, viewed from the front, shows no handwritten annotations or stamps on the visible part. The overall condition appears correct for a card of this period: slight handling traces or small marks are visible on the edges, but the main image remains clear and legible. A slight patina is noticeable, testifying to its age, with no apparent major defects on the photo side.

The shot is distinguished by the quality of its composition: the ship occupies most of the frame, with a beautiful perspective on its lines and technical details. Marine and maritime history enthusiasts will appreciate the presence of the smokestack, masts, and deck organization, faithfully reproduced in this period photographic view.

This type of maritime postcard constitutes a valuable visual testimony to the steamships and cargo ships of the early 20th century, particularly those of the Fraissinet fleet, a key player in Mediterranean transport. The choice of black and white and the fine photographic grain further enhance the historical aspect of the object.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The image shows light wear on the edges and a period patina, without major alteration of the photo.

Did you know? Compagnie Fraissinet, founded in Marseille in 1836, was one of the oldest French shipping companies. It operated regular routes between France, Italy, Algeria, and the Levant, playing an important role in passenger and cargo transport in the Mediterranean until its merger with Compagnie Fabre in 1955.

AFW Reassurance

Careful packaging and fast shipping. Professional seller, recognized experience in correspondence items and old documents.

Keywords: ship postcard, Fraissinet liner, steamship postcard, old maritime card, steamship, marine photography, Compagnie Fraissinet, Marseille liner, boat postcard, old ship postcard, Mediterranean ship, black and white boat card