Paris Vécu – Elephant Ride at the Jardin d’Acclimatation – Antique French Postcard

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

This charming photographic postcard depicts an elephant ride at the Jardin d’Acclimatation in Paris, with two elegantly dressed passengers seated on the animal while attendants walk alongside.

The scene offers a fascinating glimpse of leisure and entertainment in Paris at the beginning of the twentieth century. The elephant, the period clothing and the park setting create a particularly unusual and evocative image of everyday recreational life in old Paris.

Printed at the lower edge:

“Paris Vécu. — Au Jardin d’Acclimatation”

and

“L. J. & Cie, édit., Angoulême-Paris”

A handwritten inscription at the top of the front reads “Paris le 10 Sept…”, while another handwritten message appears along the lower edge: “Affectueux souvenir…”

This example is circulated and posted, with an undivided address-only back, handwritten addressing, an original green French 5-centime postage stamp affixed on the front, and several postal cancellations.

A particularly appealing piece for collectors of old Paris, the Jardin d’Acclimatation, zoo and leisure history, animal-themed postcards, postal history and antique French ephemera.

Details

• Origin: France
• Series: Paris Vécu
• Series checklist no.: 51
• Title: Au Jardin d’Acclimatation
• Publisher: L. J. & Cie, Angoulême-Paris
• Location depicted: Jardin d’Acclimatation, Paris, France
• Subject: Elephant ride / leisure / park life / early zoo entertainment
• Period: Early 20th century
• Type: Antique photographic postcard
• Language: French
• Undivided address-only back
• Circulated / posted
• Handwritten address
• Handwritten inscriptions on front
• Original green French 5-centime postage stamp on front
• 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 scattered spotting, small surface marks and light staining, especially in the upper area, together with minor edge and corner wear. The photographic image and printed caption remain clearly visible.

Handwritten period inscriptions are present at the top and lower edge of the front.

The reverse bears handwritten addressing and postal cancellations. The original green 5-centime postage stamp remains affixed to the front of the postcard.

A light pencil inventory notation is visible near the upper right area of the reverse.

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.