Old handwritten letter 1946 + envelope Paris Marseille vintage post-WW2

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Old handwritten letter dated December 18, 1946, with its original envelope postmarked in Paris and addressed to Marseille. The set shown in the photo includes a handwritten sheet of blue ink letter paper, as well as a partially opened envelope. The text, written in neat cursive, begins with "Ma chère Marguerite" (My dear Marguerite) and reflects a post-war epistolary style, typical of private correspondence from the mid-20th century.

On the letter, the top of the page indicates "Nanterre le 18 Décembre 1946" (Nanterre, December 18, 1946); the content expresses personal sentiments, with an empathetic and formal tone. The envelope bears a pink stamp and a postal cancellation dated 1946, with the handwritten address: "Madame André Honnorat Blanc, 180 Rue de Rome, Marseille." The paper shows a slight patina, irregular edges indicative of an old cut or opening, and preservation characteristic of period documents.

The blue ink handwriting is clearly legible, with no significant fading on the visible side. The envelope shows a clean cut on the right side, typical of manual openings from that period. The ensemble is placed on a wooden surface, with a bookshelf in the background, evoking the atmosphere of an archive cabinet or an old library.

The visible elements (paper, ink, writing style, and layout) correspond to the standards of French correspondence after World War II. The absence of any printed mention or typewritten letter underscores the handwritten authenticity of the set. No logo, watermark, or publisher's mark is observable on the exposed side.

Condition

Used item sold as is. Visible wear and patina due to age: irregular envelope edges, handling marks, slight paper discoloration, but overall well-preserved for a letter from this period.

Did you know? Handwritten letters from the immediate post-war period in France were often written on recycled paper or paper of varying quality, as paper rationing was still in effect until 1947-1948. Blue ink writing, very common, reflects the gradual return to civilian life and intense family exchanges during this period.

AFW Reassurance

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

Keywords: old handwritten letter, 1946 correspondence, vintage envelope, post-WW2 letter, old handwriting, archive document, old French letter, vintage epistolary, Paris Marseille envelope, period paper, collectible handwritten letter