Old handwritten letter purple ink cross-writing early 20th century

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Old handwritten letter, written in purple ink on cream paper, typical of the early 20th century. The document is displayed open, revealing two pages entirely covered in slanted, fine, and regular handwriting. The purple ink, characteristic of correspondence from this period, gives the whole an authentic charm and good readability despite a few passages where the ink has intensified.

The letter has a notable peculiarity: cross-writing, also called diagonal writing, where the text is written horizontally and then vertically, thus optimizing space and reflecting old epistolary practices. This technique, visible on the margins and corners, illustrates a desire to save paper and postage, a common practice before the widespread adoption of modern communication methods.

On the left page, the handwritten mention "de Montélimar, le 22.10.1917" can be seen at the top, which precisely places the writing date during the First World War. Both pages are filled with dense text, written with a quill pen, with marginal additions in cross-writing. Some areas show a slight variation in ink intensity, typical of writing instruments of the time.

The paper appears to be of good quality, with a slightly textured appearance, without any apparent watermark in the visible area. No decoration or illustration, only handwritten text. No logo, brand, or stamp is visible on the photographed side. The whole evokes private or family correspondence, typical of daily life in the early 20th century.

The letter is placed on an old wooden desk, next to a bookcase filled with bound books, which accentuates the period atmosphere and highlights the authenticity of the document. The format is rectangular, with a classic appearance for correspondence of this period.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The letter is generally well preserved: intact paper with no visible cracks, well-preserved writing. Slight handling marks and small variations in ink intensity, without altering the readability of the text. No apparent snags on the visible side.

Did you know? Cross-writing was commonly used in the 19th and early 20th centuries to save paper and reduce postal costs. This technique involved writing horizontally first, then rotating the sheet to write diagonally or vertically, thus superimposing lines of text. Letters written in purple ink were particularly prized due to the spread of aniline, a synthetic dye popular from the late 19th century.

AFW Reassurance

Fast shipping and careful packaging ensured by a professional seller specializing in antique documents and vintage correspondence.

Keywords: old letter, handwritten correspondence, cross-writing, purple ink, early 20th century, historical document, period paper, vintage letter, antique letter, handwritten letter, quill pen writing, old French letter