Old handwritten letter 1950 to Josie Cognat, retro vintage envelope

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This lot consists of an old handwritten letter dated 1950, accompanied by its original envelope addressed to Josie Cognat in Estressin, Isère, France. The envelope, clearly visible in the photo, bears a postmark from Firenze (Florence, Italy) dated September 11, 1950, and features precise handwritten inscriptions in black ink, including the recipient's name and address, as well as the mention "Gent.ma Ajma". The stamp and postal marks are still partially legible, testifying to its authenticity and the context of its post-World War II shipment.

The letter itself consists of several handwritten sheets, written in black ink on cream and white paper. The elegant and regular cursive script evokes the epistolary style of the mid-20th century. The visible sheets show meticulous calligraphy, typical of personal correspondence from that era. Some passages are dated and signed, enhancing the historical interest of the whole.

The photo shows three main sheets, one of which is dated "Firenze 29-8-50", written in Italian. The letters clearly address personal topics, typical of private exchanges from the early 1950s. The papers show a slight patina, as well as traces of use and handling, characteristic of old archival documents.

The set is displayed on a dark wooden desk, with a row of bound volumes with ornate spines in the background, accentuating the retro and authentic character of the scene. A few dried flowers are placed around the papers, adding a decorative touch of the period.

Condition

Original letter and envelope in overall good condition for their age, with natural handling marks and patina. The envelope is open on the side, and the sheets show folds and slight wear on the edges, without affecting the legibility of the visible handwritten text.

The item is pre-owned and sold as is.

Did you know? International handwritten letters from the 1950s were often written on thin paper to limit postal weight and included careful phrasing. During this period, Italy and France maintained intense epistolary exchanges, particularly between students, artists, and families separated by war or emigration.

AFW Reassurance

Careful packaging and fast shipping assured by a professional seller specializing in antique correspondence and historical archives.

Keywords: 1950 handwritten letter, antique correspondence, vintage envelope, cursive writing, post-WW2, retro document, old letter, archival document, old paper, Florence France, Italian letter, period envelope