Antique French “Bonne Année” Postcard – Vive la France Boy with Holly | Dated 19

A striking World War I–era French New Year postcard featuring a young boy dressed in a dark blue uniform and cap. He carries a large bundle of holly through a snow-covered village, with a church visible in the background.
The selectively hand-tinted photograph is embellished with the ornate greeting “Bonne Année”—“Happy New Year”—and the patriotic phrase “Vive la France!” The postcard was published by the French company Furia and is numbered 451/2.
The reverse contains extensive handwritten French correspondence dated December 24, 1915. The writer wishes Albert and his sister a happy New Year and expresses the hope that this will be the last time such wishes must be sent from far away. The message continues with the hope of being reunited during the first days of the coming month so that their wishes may be exchanged in person.
Written during World War I, the personal message and patriotic imagery preserve a particularly meaningful glimpse of French family life during the conflict.
A wonderful original for collectors of French ephemera, WWI history, patriotic postcards, childhood photography, or European holiday imagery.
DETAILS
* Authentic antique French postcard
* Dated December 24, 1915
* World War I era
* Selectively hand-tinted photographic image
* Young boy in a dark blue uniform
* Holly branches with red berries
* Snow-covered village and church scene
* “Bonne Année” New Year greeting
* “Vive la France!” patriotic inscription
* Publisher: Furia
* Series number 451/2
* Extensive handwritten French correspondence
* Addressed to Monsieur Albert in Peyrole, near Lisle-sur-Tarn
* No postage stamp or visible postal cancellation
* Exact postcard pictured
* Presented in a protective archival sleeve
CONDITION
Good antique condition with age-related discoloration, scattered foxing and spotting, softened corners, light creasing, surface marks, and wear along the edges. The hand-applied colors, printed inscriptions, and handwritten correspondence remain attractive and legible.
These characteristics reflect the postcard’s more than 110-year history and are not considered defects. Please review both photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.
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