Old handwritten letter 1943 WWII War La Protectrice letterhead

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Period handwritten letter, dated April 14, 1943, in the upper right corner, written on letterhead from the insurance company "LA PROTECTRICE," specializing in accidents, fires, and other risks, with its headquarters in Paris (IXe), 45-47 rue de Châteaudun. The paper features professional typography on the upper part, also mentioning a branch in Marseille and various period phone numbers.

The letter occupies almost the entire visible page, written in dark ink (probably fountain pen), with tight and regular cursive handwriting, typical of mid-20th-century correspondence. The letterhead bears the handwritten mention "Copie d'Alès, ce 14 Avril 1943" in the upper right, clearly situating the historical context in the midst of World War II.

The handwritten content (not fully legible in the photo) begins with an address "Mon petit Marcel d'amour" (My dearest Marcel), indicating personal and intimate correspondence, presumably sent to a loved one, possibly from the southern zone of France, given the mention of "Alès" and the 1943 context. The entire text is written on a single page, with no visible addition to the front or back.

The paper appears to be in good overall condition for its age, with no major stains or apparent tears. There are some horizontal creases and a slight patina, characteristic of period documents that have been handled and then preserved. The margins are regular, and the presentation remains clear and legible on the visible side.

This letter constitutes an authentic testimony of daily life and personal exchanges during the World War II period, on an administrative medium diverted for private purposes, which enhances its historical and documentary interest.

Condition

Used item sold as is, with signs of use and natural patina related to age. Slight visible creases, but overall legible and well-preserved.

Did you know? Insurance company letterheads were commonly reused during World War II due to stationery restrictions and supply difficulties. This gives this type of correspondence a dual interest, both as a personal document and as a witness to administrative practices of the time.

AFW Reassurance

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

Keywords: handwritten letter 1943, old correspondence, letterhead, WW2 document, World War II, period handwriting, La Protectrice insurance, vintage letter, 1940s France, old letter France, war letter, war correspondence