Paris Vécu – L’Arroseur public (Street Waterer) – Antique French Postcard

Original early twentieth-century French postcard from the “Paris Vécu” series, published by L. J. & Cie, Angoulême-Paris.

This atmospheric photographic postcard depicts L’Arroseur public, a municipal street waterer at work in Paris.

The scene shows the worker standing in the middle of a busy Parisian street, using a long hose to wet the roadway. Horse-drawn vehicles, pedestrians and shopfronts can be seen in the background, offering a vivid glimpse of everyday urban life in Paris at the beginning of the twentieth century.

A Chocolat Masson shopfront is also visible in the background, adding further period detail to the scene.

Printed at the lower edge:

“Paris Vécu – L’Arroseur public”

and

“L. J. & Cie, édit., Angoulême Paris.”

The postcard belongs to the Paris Vécu series, documenting everyday Parisian life, trades, streets and public spaces during the early twentieth century.

This example is circulated and posted, with a divided back, handwritten correspondence, two green French 5-centime postage stamps and several postal cancellations.

A particularly evocative piece for collectors of old Paris, street trades, social history and antique French postcards.

Details

• Origin: France
• Series: Paris Vécu
• Series checklist no.: 3
• Title: L’Arroseur public
• Publisher: L. J. & Cie, Angoulême-Paris
• Location depicted: Paris, France
• Subject: Municipal street waterer / Paris street life
• Period: Early 20th century
• Type: Antique photographic postcard
• Language: French
• Divided back
• Circulated / posted
• Handwritten correspondence
• Two green French 5-centime postage stamps
• Postal cancellations
• Original antique postcard, not a reproduction or digital download

Dimensions

• Approx. 9 × 14 cm

Condition

Authentic antique postcard with age-related toning and handling wear consistent with its age and postal use.

The front shows visible dark ink marks and staining, particularly in the upper portion and along the left side, together with minor surface marks and light edge and corner wear.

Despite these age-related signs of use, the photographic image and printed caption remain clearly visible.

The reverse bears handwritten correspondence, two original postage stamps and postal cancellations. A small pencil inventory notation is visible near the upper left corner.

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

You will receive the exact original postcard shown in the photographs.

Frame and decorative accessories are not included.