Vintage French Postcards

I participate in a website that facilitates mail and craft swaps, and I received these three postcards from a partner in France. (The swap was for artist's trading cards, but she sent along several extra items that she thought I might enjoy.)

I took French in high school, but that was *cough*20yearsago*cough*, and I haven't even tried to decipher the handwriting on these. I'm looking for any information anyone can provide.

Post 1 of 3 - La Rochelle

Front:


Back:


Larger version can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zuzulo...21/lightbox/

Post 2 of 3 - Anniversaire (does not appear to have been postally used)

Front:


Back:


Larger version can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zuzulo...75/lightbox/

Post 3 of 3 - Roses (does not appear to have been postally used)

Front:


Back:


Larger version can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zuzulo...63/lightbox/

Card #1 - F.M. = Franchise Militaire ("free" mailed by a soldier). Finistere is in the extreme westernmost part of France, in Brittany. The city of Pont du Buis had important gunpowder mills.

Notice the return address included "38th Depot of Artillery, 3rd Battery" at La Rochelle, which is 100-150 miles due southeast of Finistere, directly on the coast.

The round marking in the "message" portion is a military censor's stamp. "Gare" on the picture side means the train station.

This website http://cousinages.boudehen.free.fr/...ie/n2850.htm contains the names of several members of the "l'Hours" family (in Finistere), although all of an age to be the young woman's (Josephe) parents or grandparents.

That's wonderful, Doug - thank you!

Very roughly translated, I think it says something along the lines of "good morning from the one who does not forget you" ... ??

I also collect postcards - those are really nice. Thanks for showing them!

Zuzu, yes that's a good translation.

To add to Zuzu's fine selection. All unused but last card (no stamp).

I have many card boxes full of old French PC's. They provide a great history lesson.

stampfan9. The colour PC looks like a Tucks Oilette which was produced from 1905 - Very nice cards.

Another Oilette


Just a few of my France




With WW1 pencil censored town


Paris 1902

Ougree





Floating Cafe.
Byrrh advert on the side - its a wine-based apéritif made of red wine, mistelle and quinine, created in 1866, and popular as a French apéritif.

Here's some that I have:

Very nice animation Battlestamps

Heres a few from early 1900's with stamps showing.

Here's another French postcard that I thought was interesting. It's a general Christmas greeting, but the reverse side shows the cards purpose and historical significance.