Old Handwritten Letter 1918 – Intimate Correspondence War, black ink

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Old handwritten letter, dated October 23, 1918, visible at the top right of the page. The document is written in black ink on a rectangular cream paper sheet, featuring neat and dense cursive handwriting across the entire visible surface. The letter is placed on a wooden desk, near an old-fashioned inkwell and a magnifying glass, evoking an authentic writing context of the period. The correspondence begins with "My dear mother" and refers to a departure, luggage, Paris, and train journeys, which corresponds to the period of the First World War.

The visible text evokes elements of daily life during the war, including travel, addresses, difficulties in transit, and personal considerations. Several proper nouns and places are mentioned, as well as terms such as "Sienkiewicz", "Melle Zusull", "Nehélé", "Jouffroy", and allusions to Germany, Italy, and Austria. The fine and regular handwriting testifies to an experienced hand, likely feminine, and an epistolary style typical of the early 20th century.

The page has no decor or illustration, but the black ink contrasts sharply with the slightly ivory paper, with no apparent stains or traces of moisture on the visible side. The text occupies almost the entire surface, with a margin at the top and a signature at the bottom right, not entirely legible. The handwritten header "23.10.18" allows for precise identification of the period, at the very end of the First World War.

The letter is photographed in an evocative environment, with an old bookshelf in the background, reinforcing the historical and intimate aspect of the document. No postal stamp or postmark is visible on this side. The paper appears well-preserved, with no tears or significant creases in the observable area.

An ideal letter for research on family correspondence, social history, or daily life in 1918. The richness of the handwritten text offers a direct testimony to the Great War period and to the personal and logistical concerns of a French family on the eve of the Armistice.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The visible side shows good overall preservation: legible ink, clean paper, crisp edges. Some traces of use compatible with age.

Did you know? Private correspondence played a crucial role during the First World War, allowing families to stay in touch despite censorship and transport difficulties. Letters from 1918 are particularly valuable, as they bear witness to the hopes and anxieties on the eve of the Armistice of November 11.

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Keywords: antique letter, 1918 correspondence, War manuscript, black ink writing, historical document, antique paper, early 20th century epistolary, family letter, First World War testimony, vintage letter, antique document, correspondence France 1918