4 Antique Bergeret Postcards – Le Petit Trottin – Belle Époque French Fashion, c. 1903

Le Petit Trottin – A Young Fashion Messenger in Belle Époque France

A charming set of four original antique French postcards published by A. Bergeret & Cie in Nancy, France, during the early 20th century.

Entitled Le Petit Trottin, this delightful photographic series follows the everyday adventures of a young fashion messenger in Belle Époque France.

The term trottin traditionally referred to a young girl employed by a milliner or fashion establishment, often responsible for delivering hats, accessories and other purchases to customers.

Dressed in a charming period outfit with a straw hat, lace collar, blue ribbons, dark jacket and ankle boots, the young messenger carries a round hatbox marked Modes.

Through four carefully staged scenes, we follow her as she makes her deliveries, walks through the rain, enjoys a little snack and pauses to admire a shop display.

The photographs are delicately colour-tinted, with soft blue details, warm brown accessories and short verses printed in red.

A delightful glimpse into French fashion, childhood, popular humour and everyday life at the beginning of the 20th century.

The Four Postcards

No. 1 – Le Petit Trottin: Off to Work

Carrying her round fashion box and umbrella, the young messenger walks confidently along while reading a letter.

No. 2 – Le Petit Trottin: A Rainy Day

Undeterred by the rain, she continues her journey beneath a large umbrella, her colourful blue ribbons brightening the scene.

No. 3 – Le Petit Trottin: A Little Treat

The young girl pauses to enjoy her favourite snack: a small paper cone of French fries.

No. 4 – Le Petit Trottin: The Shop Window

Fascinated by an attractive display of postcards, she stops to admire the illustrations in a shop window.

Together, these four scenes form a delightful visual narrative, capturing the charm and playful spirit of French Belle Époque postcard publishing.

Product Details

• Title: Le Petit Trottin

• Publisher: A. Bergeret & Cie, Nancy, France

• Period: Early 20th century, circa 1903

• Origin: France

• Quantity: 4 original antique postcards

• Numbering: Cards 1, 2, 3 and 4

• Series completeness: Partial series; later numbers are not included

• Dimensions: Approximately 9 × 14 cm (3.5 × 5.5 inches) per postcard

• Technique: Antique photographic postcards with colour-tinted details

• Language: French

• Reference: BG-06

• Sold as: One set of four original postcards, exactly as photographed

Condition

Original antique postcards showing natural signs of age and handling.

The cards present gentle age-related discolouration, scattered foxing, occasional small surface marks and minor wear to the edges and corners.

The delicate colour-tinted details remain visible, particularly the blue ribbons, patterned dress, straw hat and brown fashion box.

The reverse sides of these four postcards are unused, with printed address lines and natural signs of ageing.

The postcards have not been restored and retain their authentic antique appearance.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an essential part of the description.

A Charming Piece of French Fashion History

An attractive collection for enthusiasts of antique French postcards, Belle Époque fashion, early photographic printing, vintage childhood portraits, historical occupations and French ephemera.

The four scenes also make a lovely decorative ensemble for a personal archive, vintage-inspired interior or cabinet of curiosities.

You will receive the four original antique postcards numbered 1 to 4, exactly as shown in the photographs.