Vintage Marseille hydraulic works plan Rhône canal 1930s

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Visual Description

This old document features a handwritten and watercolor-painted technical plan, visible open on a wooden surface. It is a hydraulic development plan, probably made in the 1930s-1940s, as suggested by the graphic style and annotations. The plan represents a sector of the "Canal de Marseille au Rhône," with mention of "La Falaise" and topographical and technical details. The lines are drawn in black ink, enhanced with blue and pink washes to differentiate water, land, and structure areas.

In the upper right, a legible handwritten inscription reads: "Amodiation. Sté des Entreprises des Grds Travaux Hydrauliques," followed by a table of areas and a total, as well as a signature or paraph. Several annotations specify the areas in square meters, as well as technical dimensions and measurements. The drawing shows a portion of the canal, quays, developments, and various hydraulic structures, all executed with great engineering precision.

The visible part of the plan shows paper slightly yellowed by time, presenting a matte texture typical of period technical documents. The colors remain clearly visible, with some signs of wear, discreet stains, and patinated edges, attesting to its age.

The document is presented open, showing a double page, with no precise indication of the back or other parts of the document. No official stamp is visible on this side, but the handwritten mention of the company and the quality of the drawing suggest a professional or administrative use for public works in Marseille.

Condition

Second-hand item sold as is, with visible signs of age: patina, small stains, slightly blunted corners, but overall legible and well-preserved for a technical document of this period.

Did you know? The major hydraulic works in Marseille at the beginning of the 20th century allowed for the development of the Canal de Marseille au Rhône, essential for irrigation, transport, and water supply in the region. Handwritten and watercolor-painted plans were then made by hand by specialized engineers and draftsmen before the generalization of mechanical reproduction.

AFW Reassurance

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Keywords: antique map Marseille, public works document, vintage hydraulic map, handwritten watercolor plan, Rhône Marseille canal, 1930s technical plan, engineering map, archive document, infrastructure plan, watercolor plan, antique technical drawing, old engineering drawing