{"product_id":"lettre-manuscrite-1809-philatelie-france-affranchissement-historique-cachet","title":"Manuscript letter 1809 philately France historical franking postmark","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAFW - Antique France Worldwide\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDescription\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOld handwritten letter dated 1809, visible in a transparent protective sleeve. The item is an envelope or postal fold from that era, distinctive for its slightly bluish paper and black ink writing. The address, written with a quill, is partially legible: \"Monsieur Chabot, engineer...\". A postal mark stamped in ink is also visible, featuring a partially legible circular stamp, as well as a handwritten annotation \"1809\" at the bottom left. A large cross drawn in ink covers the front, a common practice on administrative or official documents from that period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe piece displays a style typical of early 19th-century correspondence, with elegant calligraphy and period abbreviations. The paper shows slight discoloration and some age-related marks, visible on the exposed side. The whole is presented in a plastic conservation sleeve, placed on a black background to highlight the document's contrasts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt the top right, a small handwritten label indicates \"1809 35F\", likely an internal reference or inventory price, which does not alter the document's integrity. No postage stamp is visible, which is consistent with postal practices prior to the introduction of stamps in France (1849).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe postal mark, though partially obscured, attests to the official dispatch of the letter. The rectangular shape of the document, the absence of a window, and the period calligraphy make it an interesting testament to French epistolary and administrative practices of the early 19th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe visible inscriptions show particular care given to writing and sending, typical of administrative or professional correspondence during the Napoleonic era. The preservation in a sleeve effectively protects the paper from handling and dust.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsed item, sold as is. The visible front shows signs of wear and handling related to age, including slight marks and discoloration. The current protective sleeve ensures good preservation of the document.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid you know?\u003c\/b\u003e Before the appearance of postage stamps in France in 1849, letters were franked with handwritten marks or stamps affixed by post offices. Documents from this period are sought after for their postal marks and calligraphy, testifying to the administrative practices and mail transport under the Empire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAFW Reassurance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFast shipping and secure packaging. Professional seller specializing in antique correspondence and historical philately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eKeywords: antique letter, handwritten document, 1809 envelope, French philately, postal mark, Empire mail, historical document, handwritten letter, franking, old French letter, postal history France, 19th-century archive\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AFW","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54322711363911,"sku":"51320-74feb5d6-ce11-472c-9a83-2d9fd515e4e4-PA0.15","price":1.39,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0989\/5152\/8775\/files\/s-l1600_5c472411-30e7-40e0-942d-1767c2d4e74f.jpg?v=1783696649","url":"https:\/\/shop.antiquefranceworldwide.com\/en\/products\/lettre-manuscrite-1809-philatelie-france-affranchissement-historique-cachet","provider":"AFW","version":"1.0","type":"link"}