Vintage 1910 Marseille Commercial Courses booklet retro distribution price
AFW - Antique France Worldwide
Description
This vintage document is an old booklet issued by the Société pour la Défense du Commerce de Marseille (Society for the Defense of Marseille Commerce), visible in the upper left corner of the cover. It is an official program or pamphlet titled "Cours Commerciaux Gratuits du Soir – Distribution solennelle des Prix" (Free Evening Commercial Courses – Solemn Prize-Giving Ceremony). The specific event mentioned on the title page dates from Saturday, October 29, 1910, presided over by Mr. Émile Rastoin. The visual shows cream or pale gray paper, patinated by time, with black printed characters and a typical early 20th-century layout.
The elegant and sober typography, as well as the institutional emblem in the upper left, highlight the official and academic nature of this booklet. The visible page shows a marked vertical fold in the center, suggesting that the booklet was kept folded or handled frequently. The edges are slightly creased and show signs of wear, typical of old paper documents that have survived more than a century.
The main title "Cours Commerciaux Gratuits du Soir" is highlighted by a larger font, followed by the mention of the prize-giving ceremony. The precise date, "Samedi, 29 Octobre 1910" (Saturday, October 29, 1910), allows for unambiguous identification of the era. The name of the president, Mr. Émile Rastoin, appears at the bottom of the page, attesting to the authenticity of the document and its direct link to the history of Marseille commerce.
The booklet stands out for its retro appearance and local historical importance. The cover, though simple, reflects the administrative and educational aesthetic of early 20th-century France. No graphic motif other than the official emblem is visible on this side. The paper texture appears fine, with slight opacity and traces of old handling.
Condition
Used item, sold as is. Visible wear on the cover, marked folds, creased corners and edges, general patina consistent with its age. Authentic document, traces of old handling, no visible restoration on the presented side.
Did you know? The "Cours Commerciaux Gratuits du Soir" (Free Evening Commercial Courses) were organized by local commercial societies in France in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to promote vocational training for young people and working adults. In Marseille, these courses played a key role in the development of the city's commercial and industrial fabric, long before the widespread adoption of public vocational education.
AFW Reassurance
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Keywords: old booklet, retro pamphlet, Marseille commerce document, vintage evening courses, 1910 prize distribution program, vintage paper, historical school document, antique booklet, old French document, Marseille history, commerce education, ceremony booklet