1896 French Medical Letter & Two Envelopes – Jules Haran, Paris

Original French ephemera: a business letter dated 2 May 1896, written on the decorative stationery of Jules Haran, a Paris manufacturer of surgical instruments and orthopaedic supplies, accompanied by two period envelopes.

Elegant lettering, illustrated exhibition medals and flowing handwritten script give this document its distinctive character. The letterhead identifies Jules Haran as successor to the former Maison Baudon, at 12 Rue Lacépède, Paris, and advertises surgical instruments, artificial limbs, crutches, bandages and other medical supplies.

Addressed to Monsieur Crochu, an avoué in Mamers, Sarthe, the handwritten letter confirms the dispatch of a repaired spraying apparatus, described in French as a “pulvérisateur.” It reports that the apparatus now works well and includes brief instructions for its use. A red business stamp and handwritten signature appear at the foot of the letter.

The accompanying postal envelope bears the printed J. Haran heading, a handwritten address, a blue French 15-centime postage stamp and a Paris postmark dated 2 May 1896. Its reverse carries a Mamers arrival postmark dated 3 May 1896. The second envelope is pre-addressed to Jules Haran and repeats the firm’s surgical and orthopaedic specialities.

A distinctive addition to a collection of antique French correspondence, medical ephemera, commercial letterheads or postal history. Its decorative typography also makes it an appealing piece for an archival display or framing.

DETAILS

• Contents: one handwritten letter and two envelopes
• Letter date: 2 May 1896
• Origin: Paris, France
• Business: Jules Haran, successor to Maison Baudon
• Business address: 12 Rue Lacépède, Paris
• Recipient: Monsieur Crochu, Mamers, Sarthe
• Language: French
• Materials: paper with printed headings, handwritten ink and postal markings
• First envelope: addressed and stamped, with postmarks on both sides
• Second envelope: printed address to Jules Haran, without a visible stamp or postmark on the side shown
• Original physical documents; no digital files or reproductions

DIMENSIONS

• Letter: 27 × 20.5 cm (height × width)
• Stamped envelope: 14.5 × 11 cm (width × height)
• Envelope addressed to Monsieur Jules Haran: 14.5 × 11 cm (width × height)

CONDITION

The documents show age-related paper toning, scattered spotting, handling marks and creasing. The letter has visible horizontal fold lines and some edge wear. The posted envelope shows an uneven opened upper edge with small tears and losses, together with surface marks and discolouration. The second envelope shows toning and minor marks.

The printed decoration and handwriting remain clearly visible overall. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description.

You will receive the exact letter and two envelopes pictured.

Frame and decorative accessories not included.