Vintage 1918 Handwritten Letter Public Education Ministry Paris

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Authentic handwritten letter dated December 27, 1918, written on official letterhead from the "Ministère de l'Instruction Publique et des Beaux-Arts" (Ministry of Public Instruction and Fine Arts) in Paris. The letter features blue ink handwriting, clearly visible on the front. The printed letterhead includes the mention "Contrôle des Dépenses engagées" (Control of Expenditures Incurred), adding significant historical interest to this document.

The paper has a slightly patinated cream hue, typical of documents from that era, with a smooth texture and a slightly satin finish. The handwriting is slanted, fluid, and covers a good portion of the page. The date "27.12.1918" is clearly inscribed in the upper right, precisely dating the correspondence to the end of World War I.

The letter shows a classic layout, with the letterhead in the upper left and the handwritten text occupying the center. The content begins with "Chère Maman" (Dear Mom), suggesting family correspondence, written in an official context on administrative paper.

The visual condition of the document is generally very good for its age: the paper shows no major stains, marked creases, or missing parts on the visible side. The edges are clean, with no apparent tears. Some minimal traces of wear related to old handling can be observed, but without affecting the legibility of the text or the overall quality.

This type of old handwritten letter, on ministerial letterhead, constitutes concrete evidence of France's administrative and social history at the beginning of the 20th century. The juxtaposition of private use (family correspondence) on an official medium makes it a unique object, sought after for the study of the history of education, institutions, or for philography.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The visible side is in very good overall condition, with good preservation of the paper and handwriting.

Did you know? During the period of World War I and the immediate post-war period, ministerial letterhead was frequently reused for private correspondence, due to paper shortages and the importance of recycling administrative supplies.

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Keywords: old letter, 1918 manuscript, vintage correspondence, ministerial letterhead, historical document, handwriting, Paris Beaux-Arts, antique French letter, period letter, official French document, 1910s family letter, French vintage correspondence