Handwritten letter 1918 intimate correspondence War France blackened paper

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This lot features a handwritten letter dated January 21, 1918, carefully written in black ink on cream paper, framed with a dark border characteristic of mourning or formal correspondence of the period. The letter consists of several visible sheets, carefully preserved and arranged on a wooden piece of furniture, in an environment reminiscent of an old library.

The text, handwritten in regular cursive script, is in French. The date "21 Janvier 1918" appears at the top of one of the sheets. It is a personal correspondence, probably addressed to a friend or close acquaintance, discussing family matters, personal issues, and concerns related to the context of World War I. Several first names are mentioned in the text, and the wording reflects a traditional epistolary style.

The sheets are surrounded by a dark border, typical of letter paper used for mourning correspondence or emotionally charged exchanges during the early 20th century. The overall condition of the paper appears good, with no visible tears or stains on the displayed side. The writing remains perfectly legible, with well-preserved ink and a clear contrast on the paper.

The furniture and old books visible in the background reinforce the authenticity of the ensemble and suggest good storage conditions. No particular decorative detail is present on the visible side, apart from the characteristic black border of the medium. The presentation highlights the memorial and historical dimension of this document, a direct testament to daily life and private exchanges during the Great War.

The letter constitutes a valuable handwritten testimony to family life and intimacy in early 20th century France, in the midst of wartime, and illustrates the epistolary practice of the era.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The visible sides of the sheets appear in good overall condition, with no major observable defects. The writing remains clear and legible.

Did you know? During World War I, black-bordered letter paper was frequently used for mourning correspondence or to signify particular gravity in exchanges. These handwritten letters are today valuable sources for the social and intimate history of the period, documenting individual and family experiences during the conflict.

AFW Reassurance

Professional shipping with careful packaging and fast dispatch. Experienced seller specializing in historical documents and handwritten correspondence.

Keywords: handwritten letter 1918, intimate correspondence, WWI, mourning paper, old handwriting, historical document France, war memory, family letter, epistolary, French letter WW1, letter First World War, black-bordered paper