Handwritten letter Marseille 1942 testimony 39-45 war WW2 era

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Period handwritten letter, written in ink, visible on two large format pages laid open on a wooden desk. The cursive handwriting, clearly legible, occupies the entirety of the pages and testifies to a personal exchange. The right-hand page is explicitly dated "Marseille, July 10, 1942" in the top right corner, placing this document in the midst of World War II. The content is addressed to a person named Julia, as indicated by the salutation "Ma Julia" (My Julia).

The paper has a slightly yellowed ivory tint, typical of papers used in the 1940s. The lines of writing reveal a dense text, written with a dip pen or fountain pen, with variations in intensity of the black or dark blue ink. No printed header, watermark, or illustration is visible on the shown face; it is an entirely handwritten document.

In the background, a row of old bound books can be distinguished, reinforcing the authenticity and historical context of this letter. Three fountain pen caps or old metal nibs are placed nearby, suggesting the writing tool used for its creation.

The letter evokes daily life in Marseille in 1942, with references to the war, the city, and separation. The wording and style are typical of intimate correspondence of the era, marked by sobriety and emotion. The margins and layout are regular, without decoration or particular framing.

The calligraphy, neat and regular, testifies to great mastery of handwriting, characteristic of personal exchanges in the mid-20th century. No major defects are visible on the shown face, apart from slight wear on the edges of the paper, with no apparent tears.

Condition

Used letter, sold as is. Slight signs of use and natural patina of the paper, consistent with its age.

Did you know? Handwritten letters exchanged during World War II represent a valuable source for historians today. They allow documentation of daily life, feelings, and living conditions during the 1939-1945 period, particularly in cities like Marseille, which experienced occupation and resistance.

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