Old handwritten letter 1814 Montpellier philately postal envelope

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Old handwritten letter dated 1814, visible in a transparent protective sleeve. The item presented is a period envelope or postal wrapper, addressed to Montpellier (Hérault), with black ink writing characteristic of the early 19th century. The address is written with a quill pen, mentioning the recipient, probably a local authority ("Monsieur le Baron Char... Maire"). Several handwritten annotations are visible, including a circled number and a date indication in the upper left corner.

The document shows elegant calligraphy, typical of administrative or official correspondence from that period. A partially legible postal mark ("EnBUN" or similar) is also discernible in the upper right, indicating postal processing or an administrative stamp from the era. The paper surface shows a slight patina and signs of wear consistent with its age, as well as a denser black ink stain on the left side.

The letter is stored flat in a transparent plastic sleeve, which effectively protects the visible condition of the document. No postage stamp is visible on this side, which is consistent with postal practices before the introduction of stamps in France (1849). The paper has a slightly ivory appearance, with gray nuances due to the ink and age.

Several inscriptions contemporary with the letter are added on the sleeve or labels: "1814" and "35FF," which correspond to a dating and an old price in French francs, unrelated to the historical content of the document.

The edges of the letter show some irregularities and signs of wear typical of paper folded and handled over time. The whole offers an interesting visual testimony to correspondence practices and the presentation of official mail in the early 19th century.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Visible traces of wear and marks related to age and original postal use. Presence of an ink stain and irregularities on the paper. Letter protected in a plastic sleeve.

Did you know? Before the advent of the postage stamp in France in 1849, letter delivery fees were often paid by the recipient. The wrappers were generally marked by hand or with stamps indicating the city of departure or arrival, the date, or the amount due. Handwritten letters from this period constitute a direct testimony to French postal and administrative history.

AFW Reassurance

Fast shipping, secure packaging, and professional handling to ensure the preservation of the document during transport.

Keywords: handwritten letter, antique envelope, postal wrapper, 1814 mail, French philately, historical document, postal mark, old handwriting, Montpellier letter, postal history, French letter, old envelope