Old map of Marseille 1930-40 public works port Tuiles Fountain

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This old document shows a handwritten and watercolored technical drawing, evidently from a hydraulic public works file related to the city of Marseille. The sheet, presented open on a dark wooden support, shows a detailed map of a port identified as "Port de la Fontaine des Tuiles". The lines are drawn in black ink with blue watercolor highlights to symbolize water areas, and red technical annotations for measurements and administrative details.

The visible portion of the plan shows port infrastructures, quays bordered by a stone line (dotted low wall pattern), and a rectangular area subdivided by precise dimensions (e.g., "22.00", "12.00"). Several handwritten mentions are legible, including "Amodiation Sté Amicale Philanthropique de pêche Lou Sard" (Lease Agreement for the Philanthropic Friendly Fishing Society Lou Sard) and "Surface balafrée pour la pêche" (Area scarred for fishing), indicating a use related to the management of port space for associative or philanthropic fishing activities at the time.

Elements of the surrounding urban context are also visible, such as the "Chemin de Grande Communication" (Main Communication Road) and other topographical indications, confirming the professional use of the plan for urban planning or hydraulic development projects. The graphic style, handwritten typography, and watercolor technique visually place the piece in the first half of the 20th century, typical of the 1930s-40s, which is corroborated by the theme of public works in Marseille during that period.

The visible side shows an authentic patina, with paper yellowed by time, noticeable folds in the center and on the edges, and some discreet signs of wear without any major apparent tears. The ink and watercolor remain vibrant, allowing for a clear reading of the technical information. No verso, nor other page, is visible in the image.

This archived technical drawing illustrates both the history of Marseille's hydraulic developments and the graphic methodology of engineers of the time, with particular attention paid to the legibility and precision of the drawings. It is a representative example of professional documentation produced for local public projects in the 20th century.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The document shows signs of use, folds, and period patina, with no visible structural defects on the exposed side.

Did you know? Port leases (amodiations portuaires) were common in Marseille's ports in the 20th century, allowing companies or associations to manage specific areas for defined uses, such as fishing or storage. These plans were often drawn by hand by engineers from the Ponts et Chaussées (Department of Bridges and Roads) and then validated by local authorities to ensure the installations complied with current urban and hydraulic regulations.

AFW Reassurance

Careful packaging and fast shipping. Professional seller specializing in old documents and archive plans.

Keywords: old Marseille map, public works document, vintage hydraulic plan, 1930s port map, 19th-20th century watercolor plan, Marseille port archive, handwritten engineer plan, technical fishing document, port lease, old Marseille map, hydraulic public works drawing,