Antique French “Joyeux Noël” Postcard – Children with Lanterns – Dated 1917

An authentic World War I–era French Christmas postcard featuring two children in hooded winter capes carrying lanterns through a snowy village scene. The boy also carries a festive bundle of greenery.
“Joyeux Noël” appears elegantly across the top. The softly hand-tinted details and endearing subject make this a lovely piece for a vintage Christmas display, postcard collection, or framed holiday vignette.
The reverse bears handwritten French family correspondence dated December 23, 1917, in Nîmes. The affectionate message is addressed to the sender’s sister and concludes with Christmas wishes and kisses for family members—a touching piece of personal history from wartime France.
The front retains remnants of its original French postage stamp and cancellation. An M.M. Paris publisher’s mark is visible near the lower-right corner.
DETAILS
* Authentic antique French postcard
* Dated December 23, 1917
* World War I era
* Hand-tinted photographic image
* Two children carrying lanterns and greenery
* Snow-covered village background
* “Joyeux Noël” Christmas greeting
* Handwritten French family correspondence
* Postally used
* M.M. Paris publisher’s mark
* Sold in a protective archival sleeve
* You will receive the exact postcard pictured
CONDITION
Fair-to-good antique condition with age-related discoloration, foxing, surface wear, softened corners, and edge wear. A pronounced diagonal crease is present across the lower-left portion. The original stamp at the lower right is substantially damaged or missing, with remnants and postal cancellation remaining.
These imperfections are part of the postcard’s more than 100-year history. Please review both photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.