Old handwritten letter 1939-1945 on vintage LA PROTECTRICE letterhead

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Old handwritten letter, dated from the 1939-1945 period, written on "LA PROTECTRICE — Compagnie Anonyme d’Assurances à Primes Fixes" letterhead, visible at the top of each sheet. This period document consists of two flat sheets, featuring handwritten text in gray or black ink, in a cursive style, covering all visible pages. The printed letterhead indicates the address of the headquarters in Paris (45-47, Rue de Châteaudun, Paris IXe) and the management office in Marseille, also mentioning different categories of insurance (accidents, fire, other risks).

The entire piece bears the marks of time, with slight yellowing of the paper, typical of documents from the first half of the 20th century. The upper and lower edges show very slight curling, with no apparent tears on the visible side. The handwritten text, written in a neat hand, occupies the entire available surface, with regular density and thin margins. Some passages are slightly faded, indicating intensive use or prolonged storage.

The letter is written on professional letterhead, which probably indicates a private use of administrative material available in the context of the war. The mention "Le Baux, 13.9.44" is clearly visible on the bottom sheet, confirming a precise dating in September 1944, right in the middle of World War II. Several other place names and dates seem to be present, reinforcing the historical interest of the document.

The photographic presentation highlights the object on an old wooden background, surrounded by bound books and dried flowers, emphasizing the authentic character and emotional dimension of the correspondence. The contrast between the handwritten ink and the cream paper remains clearly legible despite its age, making it a period testimony preserved in satisfactory visual condition for the presented side.

This type of letter, combining corporate support and personal testimony, is typical of war correspondence, often used to communicate with loved ones despite paper shortages. This is an original, unreproduced document, each line of which retains the spontaneity and emotion of its author.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Some visible marks and signs of wear on the surface, period patina, ink slightly faded in places. No major tears or stains on the presented side.

Did you know? During World War II, many French people used company or administrative letterheads as a medium for their private correspondence due to paper rationing. These documents, now valuable to historians, offer a direct insight into daily life and emotions during the conflict.

AFW Reassurance

Careful packaging and fast shipping provided by a professional seller specializing in antique and historical documents.

Keywords: antique letter, handwritten correspondence, war testimony, 1944 document, letterhead, World War II, vintage letter, WWII letter, period letter, La Protectrice insurance, old paper letter, handwriting, French history