Old handwritten letter 1945 + envelope Marseille WW2 retro vintage

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Period handwritten letter, dated January 14, 1945, accompanied by its original envelope. The set is presented on a wooden surface, with a bookcase in the background emphasizing the historical context and authenticity of the item. The letter is written in blue ink on graph paper, typical of private correspondence from mid-20th century France. The cursive handwriting is dense and regular, covering almost the entire visible page, with an address in the upper right ("Anne... 1/14/45") indicating the precise date, placing it within the World War II period.

The associated envelope, made of cream paper slightly yellowed by time, bears a handwritten address on the front: "Monsieur et Madame Blanc, 100 av. de Rome, Marseille (B.d.R.)". A partially legible circular postmark, dated 1945, is also visible, along with an "FM" in the upper left, a common abbreviation for "Franchise Militaire" (Military Exemption), confirming the war context. The envelope has an opening on the side and a small tear on the upper flap, without obscuring the legibility of the address.

The handwritten text occupies the entire visible page, with no decorative margins or illustrations. The overall writing is neat and very legible, likely done with a pen or fountain pen, with slight variations in ink intensity, typical of authentic correspondence from that period. No decorative elements or printer's marks are visible on the envelope or letter.

The texture of the graph paper is clearly visible, with a slight patina and pronounced creases, testifying to old use and storage. No stamp is apparent, which is consistent with the "FM" for military postal exemption. The letter seems intended for family or personal use, with detailed content (but not reproduced here, as only the upper part of the text is legible).

Handwritten correspondence from this period provides direct testimony of daily life at the end of World War II, here addressed to Marseille, a strategic city at the time. The association of the letter and its original envelope, both dated and handwritten, enhances the documentary value and historical interest of the set.

Condition

Used letter and envelope, sold as is. Presence of creases, slight patina, small flaws on the envelope (tear on the upper flap, creased corner), wear consistent with age and postal use. The writing remains perfectly legible on the visible side.

Did you know? The mention "FM" (Franchise Militaire) allowed military personnel in France to send their mail for free during World War II. This system aimed to facilitate correspondence between soldiers and their families, while limiting individual expenses and accelerating military postal circulation in a time of conflict.

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Keywords: handwritten correspondence, old letter, 1945 letter, vintage envelope, WW2 mail, military exemption, graph paper, Marseille letter, retro document, old letter France, wartime correspondence