Old paper bag Cantini Flandin Codec Marseille vintage grocery food

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Detailed Visual Description

This lot is for an old paper bag from the Cantini Flandin self-service store, a fine food establishment located in Marseille. The item presented here is a vintage commercial package, rectangular in shape, with a visible top opening and a side gusset suggested by its form. The matte white paper shows slight creases and crumpling, typical of bags that have been preserved for several decades.

The visible side of the bag is printed in blue and red, with a layout characteristic of commercial graphic design from the 1960s-1970s. At the top is the inscription "LIBRE SERVICE CANTINI FLANDIN" in large blue letters, followed by the mention "ALIMENTATION FINE" (Fine Foods). In the center, there is a stylized red "Codec" logo, framed by the categories of products offered: "BOUCHERIE, CHARCUTERIE, CRÈMERIE" (Butchery, Delicatessen, Dairy) on the left, "TRUITES ET CRUSTACÉS, FRUITS ET LÉGUMES" (Trout and Shellfish, Fruits and Vegetables) on the right.

At the bottom, the store's address is clearly indicated: "4-6-8, Rue Longue-des-Capucins, MARSEILLE," followed by a vintage 6-digit telephone number (54.07.00), which dates the bag to before the telephone reform of the 1980s. The entire print uses a retro typography, with a graphic style typical of urban food businesses in the mid-20th century.

The paper is slightly yellowed by time, with some visible handling marks on the central part and edges. No major tears are visible on the presented side, but the bag shows folds, confirming its age and authenticity. The print remains clear and legible, with no significant fading of the inks.

This type of old bag is a testament to local trade and packaging practices before the widespread use of plastic and supermarkets. The combination of the Codec logo and the Cantini Flandin mention makes this packaging a rare artifact of Marseille's food establishments of the 20th century.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Paper with visible traces of folds, creases, and slight signs of wear. Clear print. No major tears apparent on the visible side.

Did you know? The Codec network (Coopérative des Commerçants) was a major player in food distribution in France starting from the 1950s, promoting self-service stores before the rise of supermarkets. Packaging bearing this logo has become a sought-after testament to the history of urban commerce and popular consumption, especially in large cities like Marseille.

AFW Reassurance

Fast shipping and careful packaging provided by a professional seller specializing in antique and character items.

Keywords: old paper bag, vintage grocery packaging, retro food sachet, Codec Marseille, Cantini Flandin, old self-service, butcher delicatessen dairy, vintage shop bag, old grocery bag, paper advertising packaging, Marseille vintage shop, 60s grocery store