HAND - PAINTED Postcard WWI France Sent New Years December 31, 1917 Translated!

Description: Hi,See new message in italics at the bottom of this listing for new information My Ref-A-a Description-Beautiful Hand Painted Water Color Scene of a WWI French Soldier with French Republic Flag in the Background with a full translation of the message. It was sourced from a Flea Market in Paris where there are artist and antique art dealers that gather in a square market that has been there for over 60 years. I visited it once in the 1970s as a kid. This is a really nice postcard. Read on for more! History-During a war, you couldn't just go out and buy a postcard at a local store if you were on the front lines or even if you lived in the city as they just weren't so readily available. Handmade postcards were not uncommon but most people weren't artist. The author of this postcard seemed to be talented as evident by his nice water color rendering of a French Soldier holding a rifle with a French Republic Flag behind him. You can see the RF on the flag topper which were the initials of the Republique Franciaise. Now, I am half French and my mother is still alive and speaks and read French fluently. She provided the translation for this postcard. it was authored by a "David" and his name is also beneath the water color. Remember that translations don't always translate perfectly from language to language. It is for someone in Paris on December 31, 1917, about one year before the war ended. "Dear Mr & Mrs, I am writing to you today to wish you a good year and a healthy one to share with Sybil and Norbet. I hope Dear Mrs and Mr that you are in perfect health. Received with my marvelous wishes and my affectionate kisses of your little friend. David". I can only assume a few things by this. This David was probably in love with someone in this family! There is no stamp or postmark on this so most likely it was sent in a letter. A few other tidbits. The printing on the back of the postcard-Carte Postale-Postcard-Below that in French and translated- Correspondence on the front is not accepted by all foreign countries-Inquire at the post office. This is self explanatory but if you don't know---At the turn of the century, postcards did not have an area on the backside to write any messages as this was reserved for the address and stamp. People used to write around the borders on the front. As laws changed, countries started with undivided back and then divided back postcards to allow this but the change was slow and different countries had different postal laws, hence a warning was appropriate. Now, this postcard was printed blank in the front for writing a message and/or a drawing or painting. There, now you know what I know!!! Why buy from me? I actually know a thing or two about postcards! Not only do you get a nice postcard, you get the story behind it if one is available. I use a top of the line Epson ES-580W Scanner to grab the best possible condition of any postcard or photo. The scanned images are your best way to see the details. The actual color of the postcard might be somewhat muted to the scanned images here though the colors on this postcard are very bright and fresh looking. I do combine shipping.I will ship this anywhere for $3.99. It will come in a brand new Archival Safe Semi-Rigid Postcard Sleeve and mailed in a rigid photo mailer. I do not attempt to profit on shipping. I merely try to break even. I do offer shipping options on check-out. Read for some humor. The best thing about my packaging? Each envelope or package is easy to open!!! How many times have you received a package only to spend ten minutes trying to open it without destroying the contents!!! No extra tape, glue, staples, or my worst fear, items shoved between two pieces of cardboard with tape on every edge requiring a surgeons scalpel to open it!!! Now, you get it open only to find that the postcard sleeve has been taped on every edge so tight, you can't even get a scissors to cut it open requiring you to get the surgeons scalpel out again! Folks, I don't know why so many postcard sellers think that all of that tape makes for a good package!!! It doesn't. Why buy from a seller who can't figure out how to simply pack a postcard when you can just save yourself a headache, and buy mine??? Hope that made you laugh and/or cry like I have opening up some postcards. This will be one of the firsts of thousands of Postcards I will be listing over the next few months. I just wanted to put a few notes about my postcard listings after the description so the collector can understand the types I will be listing.I will keep the listings simple and will only put a message if I deem it worthwhile. This is a new store for me but I have been on Ebay for over 26 years with perfect feedback. Look in my store for many other great collectables. Please contact me first with any issues. Thanks for looking.

Price: 49.99 USD

Location: Hollywood, Florida

End Time: 2024-11-25T14:56:13.000Z

Shipping Cost: 3.99 USD