Letter with correspondence from Artenay (Loiret) to Orleans, undated Linear mark with black color number 43 / ARTHENAY (32 x 7 mm – use from 1792 to 1813) Pen tax: 2 decimes (rate of 1800 or 1802) .
This typed letter, a piece of personal correspondence from the World War II era, was found among the effects of Oliver Odell Deane (1926-2004), a veteran who served in the United States Navy during the conflict.
Crucially, later handwritten annotations added at the top of the page provide a biographical coda: the writer, identified as R. Gill, “died Aug 16 1897 broken hearted, but an honest man.”. The paper exhibits typical toning, horizontal fold lines, and minor foxing consistent with age, while the ink remains dark and highly legible.
This illustrates the crucial role that agricultural production and distribution played in supporting both the Union and Confederate states during the war. The letter is signed with a simple “Yours Truly, Drew & French,” authenticating its origin from the New York-based firm.
The letter is dated June 19, 1894.
The poignant phrase Herzens Wünsche (heart’s wishes) and the closing Herzlich grüssen (warm greetings) are rendered in a hand that reflects the individual character of the writer, a quality lost in modern typographic communication.
I like that there are 100 sleeves, because it helps keep everything in goodThere are 100 sleeves here, which means
A nice touch is the carefully attached tassel that brings extra charm to the paper design.
Holding this backstage pass, you get a sense of history and access that makes the whole display more interesting.
However, the handwriting remains legible, allowing for the content to be readily deciphered. The signature of A.O. Stumpis is clearly present, adding to the authenticity and historical value of the piece.
