Handwritten letter 1940 on Mont Ventoux Marseille paper vintage war 39-45

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Period handwritten letter, written on letterhead from the "Mont Ventoux Chez Sicard" restaurant located in Marseille, 1 Quai des Belges, corner of Canebière. The paper features an illustrated letterhead in aqua green, blue, and black tones, with graphics typical of the early to mid-20th century. The letterhead also includes the mentions "Brasserie" and "Cognac Bisquit - Bisquit Dubouché & Cie," as well as a stylized illustration of Mont Ventoux in the background. A cartouche on the right specifies "MARSEILLE Téléphone Dragon 59-47 et 71-30 RESTAURANT."

The letter is dated Monday, October 7, 1940, placing it in the midst of World War II (1939-1945). The handwritten text, penned in black ink, occupies most of the page, with lines of writing also in the left margin, indicating dense and personal correspondence. The calligraphy is cursive, neat, and typical of the era. The letter appears to be addressed to a close person, probably a woman, as suggested by the intimate tone of the visible text.

The paper shows a slight patina due to its age, with no apparent damage on the visible side. The upper corners are slightly curved, but the document remains perfectly legible. The well-preserved colored letterhead adds a sought-after visual touch for historical archival documents. No marked folds, stains, or tears are visible on the displayed surface.

This letter constitutes a direct testimony to daily life and correspondence in France during the World War II period. The presence of a commercial letterhead located in Marseille, as well as the precise dating, make it an archival piece that is both personal and rooted in local history. The item is ideal for the preservation or study of wartime correspondence, or for any research on life in Marseille in 1940.

The style of the letterhead, the choice of colors, and the typography are typical of the 1930s-1940s, confirming the consistency between the handwritten date and the medium used. The handwritten text, although partially legible in the photo, evokes daily concerns of the time, adding to the authenticity and documentary value of the ensemble.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Slight traces of use and patina visible on the presented side, with no apparent structural defect or major alteration to the text or medium.

Did you know? Restaurant and brasserie letterheads were frequently used for private correspondence during the first half of the 20th century, especially in large French cities where personal stationery was less common. In Marseille, the Canebière and the Old Port were emblematic places, often mentioned in correspondence of the time, particularly during World War II, a period when communications were precious and sometimes censored.

AFW Reassurance

Careful packaging and fast shipping ensured by a professional seller specializing in old documents and historical correspondence.

Keywords: antique letter, handwritten correspondence, Marseille letterhead, 39-45 war document, vintage mail, historical letter, Brasserie Mont Ventoux, Chez Sicard restaurant, 1940 letter