Old handwritten letter 1938 to Genevieve + vintage pre-WW2 paper envelope

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Old handwritten letter dated April 4, 1938, written in blue ink on white paper, accompanied by its original envelope. The set is displayed flat on a table, under warm light. The letter is addressed to "Miss Geneviève" in Marseille, as indicated on the envelope visible in the background. The letterhead mentions "158 Bridge Street, Selahine, New York". The text is entirely handwritten in English, with regular and legible cursive script on the visible side. The letter fills a full page, with no apparent erasures, and has a margin on the left. The paper shows a slight patina, typical of its era, but no major stains or tears are visible on the front.

The letter begins with "Dear Genevieve" and refers to an epistolary exchange, revealing a personal and historical context pre-World War II. The ink used is a deep blue, contrasting sharply with the paper's background. The envelope, partially positioned under the letter, also bears a handwritten address and appears to have traveled, as evidenced by a partially visible postmark on the flap. No stamp or sender's mark is visible on this side.

The visible content of the letter addresses personal topics, such as school, music, and the sender's aspirations, providing a glimpse into daily life in the late 1930s. The handwriting is neat, with no signs of erasure, and the paper shows slight handling marks, without excessive creases. The classic rectangular format of handwritten mail from that era is well respected.

This lot therefore includes a complete handwritten letter and its matching period envelope, both ideal for decoration, documentation, or the study of ancient calligraphy. The writing style and paper quality clearly evoke the late 1930s, just before the outbreak of World War II.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The set is well preserved for its age: letter without tears or significant visible stains, envelope with slight marks of use and authentic patina.

Did you know? Handwritten letters from the early 20th century are valuable sources for studying the language, social customs, and calligraphy of the time. Before the widespread advent of the telephone and the internet, these correspondences were the primary mode of international exchange, particularly between Europe and America.

AFW Reassurance

Careful packaging and fast shipping ensured by a professional seller. Each item is handled with care to guarantee secure delivery.

Keywords: antique letter, handwritten correspondence, vintage document, 1938 envelope, period paper, old letter, handwritten letter, pre-World War II, antique calligraphy, old paper, USA France letter, antique paper, cursive writing