1915 French WWI Soldier Letter – Byrrh Advertising Stationery

Original French military correspondence dated 12 September 1915, written during the First World War on striking illustrated “Byrrh, vin tonique” advertising stationery.

This substantial handwritten letter is addressed to the writer’s parents and offers a particularly evocative glimpse into the everyday life of a French serviceman during the First World War.

The upper part of the stationery features a large printed military and patriotic scene with soldiers, flags and an allegorical female figure, accompanied by the period advertising inscription “Byrrh, vin tonique”. The combination of commercial advertising and wartime imagery gives the document considerable visual and historical character.

In his long personal message, the writer discusses letters received from home, his current surroundings, daily routines, food and living arrangements. He refers to marches of approximately 10 to 20 kilometres, his battalion, and the possibility that within a short time they may again face much more difficult and dangerous conditions.

The correspondence provides an intimate view of military life away from the battlefield itself: meals, quarters, movement, fatigue, uncertainty and contact with family.

Its 1915 wartime date, extensive handwritten content and unusual illustrated Byrrh stationery make it an appealing piece for collectors of French military history, First World War correspondence, advertising ephemera and antique manuscripts.

Included

• Original handwritten military letter
• Illustrated “Byrrh, vin tonique” advertising stationery
• Several handwritten pages / sides

Dimensions

• Folded: 21 × 13.5 cm
• Opened: 27 × 21 cm

Condition

Original antique document showing normal age-related wear, including folds, light toning, scattered foxing and small marks consistent with age and handling. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.

Details

• Date: 12 September 1915
• Origin: France
• Language: French
• Period: First World War
• Theme: Military service / personal correspondence
• Original document — not a reproduction.

Collector’s note

A particularly evocative First World War document combining a long personal soldier’s correspondence with unusual period Byrrh advertising and patriotic military imagery.