Old handwritten letter 1944 Marseille Basso Brewery war correspondence

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Period handwritten letter, written on letterhead from the Brasserie Restaurant Basso, located at 8 Quai du Port in Marseille. The letter features cursive blue ink handwriting covering the entire visible side, with several annotations in the margin and at the top of the page. The blue printed letterhead clearly indicates the issuing establishment, a rare and characteristic detail for correspondence from this period.

The letter is dated "Saturday, August 26, 1944," placing it precisely at the Liberation of Marseille during World War II. The handwritten mention "Ma Zoélie" at the beginning of the text suggests that it is correspondence addressed to a close woman, possibly the author's wife or partner. A stamp or dark mark is visible near the date, adding a material singularity to this document.

The writing covers the entire width of the page, with slanted sentences on the left and top, testifying to an intensive use of the medium, typical of personal letters from that era. The text structure, the density of the writing, and the presence of affectionate terms reinforce the intimate and historical aspect of this correspondence.

The paper shows a visible patina, with beige nuances and some signs of age, without any apparent major tears or creases on the visible side. The letter is placed on an old wooden table, evoking an archive or library context, reinforced by the presence of old books in the background.

Among the legible elements are the full address of the brasserie, the old telephone number "Dragons 19-85," and handwritten mentions such as "à toute de suite" (see you soon), "enquête" (inquiry), or "répondre" (reply). These details give the piece great authenticity and particular interest for the history of daily life during wartime.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Shows a patina of use and some signs of age on the visible side, with no apparent major structural defects.

Did you know? Brasserie Basso was an emblematic establishment on Marseille's Old Port, particularly active during the first half of the 20th century. Handwritten correspondence on restaurant or shop letterhead was common during World War II due to a lack of dedicated paper, and today constitutes valuable sources on civilian life during the conflict.

AFW Reassurance

Careful and fast shipping, appropriate packaging to preserve the integrity of the document. Professional seller specializing in archives and antique items.

Keywords: old handwritten letter, 1944 correspondence, 39-45 war, Marseille Vieux-Port, vintage letterhead, Brasserie Basso, period letter, historical document France, WWII letter France, old French letter, old writing, World War II archive