Old handwritten letter 1945 with stamped Marseille vintage envelope

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Old handwritten letter dated Thursday, April 8, 1945, accompanied by its original envelope. The letter is written in blue ink on a lined sheet, with a regular and neat cursive script. The correspondence is addressed to a mother ("Chère Maman" - Dear Mom - at the beginning of the text) and refers to personal post-war events. The letterhead clearly mentions the date, while the envelope, visible in the background, bears a red stamp of the French Republic featuring Marianne. The postmark indicates dispatch from Marseille, with the mention "Bouches-du-Rhône" (BDR) on the handwritten address.

The letter presents a typical layout of mid-20th century correspondence, with regular margins and well-spaced text. The writing is legible and fluid, revealing a common practice of handwriting at the time. The paper shows some creases and a slight deformation on the upper edge, with no apparent tears on the visible side. The envelope also shows moderate wear, with handling marks, a clear postmark, and an address written in blue ink matching the letter.

The visible content of the letter evokes family exchanges and considerations about trips between Marseille and Menton, offering an authentic testimony of daily life in France at the end of World War II. The writing style and vocabulary reflect the context of the time, with polite and respectful formulations. The two pieces (letter + envelope) form a complete and coherent set, perfect for the study or enhancement of post-war French written archives.

The blue ink used for writing is well preserved, with no noticeable smudges or visible fading on the displayed side. The envelope stamp, red in color, is well-centered and canceled by a legible circular postmark. The handwritten address on the envelope is partially visible, allowing Marseille to be identified as the destination, with a clear reference to Rue de Rome.

This document offers a rare and authentic glimpse into private correspondence in France at the end of the global conflict, illustrating both the material aspect (lined paper, ink writing, period stamp) and the historical context. It is a representative example of family epistolary exchanges from the mid-20th century.

Condition

Used letter and envelope, showing signs of wear and creases due to age and handling. The set is sold as is, as visible in the photo.

AFW Reassurance

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

Keywords: handwritten letter 1945, old correspondence, stamped envelope, period writing, vintage document, Marseille mail, old French letter, paper archive, old French letter, WWII letter, vintage postal letter, letter to mother