Handwritten letter Rouen 1861 commercial correspondence sending publications

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Authentic handwritten letter dated March 5, 1861, written in black ink on a cream paper sheet. This epistolary document features elegant cursive handwriting, typical of the mid-19th century. The letter is addressed to a widow (mention visible in the header) and appears to concern business correspondence related to the sending of publications, as indicated by the partially legible content. The top of the sheet bears the handwritten mention "Rouen le 5 mars 1861," specifying the origin and date of the mail. The layout is structured, with regular margins and a marked horizontal fold in the center, likely original from postal handling.

The visible side shows the entire front page, with no indication of a back or an envelope. The writing is uniformly distributed and occupies almost the entire surface, except for an upper margin reserved for the header. Some passages of the text are legible, notably terms relating to orders, authors, and publishers, which attests to the professional nature of the correspondence. The handwritten signature, although partially legible, is present at the bottom of the page.

The paper support has a slightly yellowed appearance, consistent with its age, as well as a brown stain visible in the lower-left part and small signs of wear. The letter is photographed flat, placed on an old wooden table, with several old books in the background whose binding and spine are visible, reinforcing the historical atmosphere of the whole.

The writing style, layout, and explicit dating confirm its 19th-century origin, specifically from the year 1861. This type of handwritten correspondence was common for professional and administrative exchanges at that time, particularly in the field of publishing and dissemination of publications.

The letter offers direct testimony of 19th-century epistolary practices, both in its form and content. The neat appearance of the writing and the quality of the paper illustrate the standards of business correspondence of this period.

Condition

Used item sold as is. Presence of a brown stain and slight handling marks, central horizontal fold. Overall condition visually correct for a document of this era.

Did you know? 19th-century handwritten business correspondence was often kept in registers or company archives. Today, they are valuable sources for understanding the organization of professional networks and economic exchanges at the time, particularly in active cities like Rouen.

AFW Reassurance

Fast shipping and careful packaging. Professional seller specializing in old documents and historical manuscripts.

Keywords: handwritten letter 1861, business correspondence, Rouen document, sending publications, 19th century, old writing, vintage paper, professional letter, old letter France, French letter 1861, commercial manuscript, business letter