A rare lot of French historical documents dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The top document is dated 19 March, 1776. Click photo to view detail.
Attention artists and collectors! Last week on Opening Day at the Antiquites Brocante at Bastille, I was thrilled to purchase a lot of nearly 300 original historical documents. Dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, the documents - deeds of sale, various business transactions or marriage certificates - are beautifully handwritten in script, typically on both sides of the heavy, thick paper. All documents contain French government stamps and/or official red wax seals.
I had to take a deep breath before taking the plunge, as the documents were quite expensive. But I figured I'd never again see such an extraordinary collection in one place. Alas, I couldn't possibly afford a separate lot of official documents from the French presence in Indochine.
As I have been lucky to find so many delightful things at Paris brocantes and flea markets, I am running out of space. I've decided to part with a few treasures, starting with some of these historical documents. If you are interested in purchasing documents to photocopy for art projects or to frame the originals for added elegance in your decor, please email me.
Every week I will add new items to the "Tara's treasures" box, located in the sidebar (the left-hand column). Most items offered for sale can be easily packed and mailed, to avoid expensive shipping costs.
At the very least catalogue these documents before you disburse them to the four winds! What to you are just beautiful samples of old documents may be the only connection someone now or in the future may have at finding a long lost ancestor.
Posted by: Weaping | 16 October 2007 at 03:49
Fantastic find! Antique letters I bet you heart did an extra beat! I am glad you bought them. I don't think I would have the heart to sell them. Even if I had enough to wallpaper here to kingdom come ;)
Wonderful news about Tara's Treasures, you find wonderful things. And we are lucky to have a shop like yours.
Posted by: tongue in cheek | 15 May 2007 at 12:43
"Coincidentally" (!) I was looking at some similar papers, though in Italian, in a store yesterday. There were no price tags...and I didn't ask! I did ask the price of a scrap of faded linen fabric, about 4 x 6 inches, and was told that it was $95.
What?! I said. "Why?"
"It's 18th-century," the woman said, a touch haughtily.
It's only after I left the store that it occurred to me that given the price tag and the 18th-century claim, why was it lying a pile with other fabrics being picked up and touched by people like me? It should have been behind glass!
Posted by: Colette | 14 May 2007 at 00:09
Oh wow...this is totally stunning....
Posted by: Gypsy Purple--Chamara | 13 May 2007 at 17:44
What a wonderful idea! Good for you going for it - I'm still kicking myself for not buying a trunkful of letters at an estate sale a few months ago - at least you won't have that regret!
Posted by: tinker | 13 May 2007 at 10:41
again you make simple things and stories so engaging...
Posted by: paul | 13 May 2007 at 09:12
Oooh la la! Lucky find!
Posted by: MyMelange | 12 May 2007 at 17:48
Uh oh. A Paris blog. Yikes. Complete with gorgeous street scenes and cobblestones. I know I need to close the browser window, FAST or else I may end up jumping off some ledge in my architecturally challenged, horribly, horribly ugly city. I haven't read more than two posts and I am already jealous. What gives you the right to live in one of the world's most beautiful cities (and climates)? ;-)
**weeps openly**
Why was I born here? Why?
Posted by: julia | 12 May 2007 at 16:17
Ah, this will free space in your home for new treasurers to!! JP
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 12 May 2007 at 15:41