1930 Polite French Correspondence Expressing the Norms of Social Interactions

On offer is a fine example of Parisian correspondence in the years between the two world wars.

From the tenor of the note, it would appear that the sender is requesting a meeting with someone in a superior position who may be able to render some assistance. The recipient is identified only as ‘Monsieur”. The letter reads as follows:

Cher Monsieur, Merci pour votre lettre et plus encore pour votre [] Je serais heureaux de vous connaitre mieux et peut-etre fourriez-vous me [], une conseil utile. On peut ou vous rencoutrer et quand et a qu' elle heure. Si vous pourez me telephoner pour nous eutendre ce serait le mieux je crois. Les Lundi et [] je suis toujours chez moi; le matin avant dix heures et aussi chaque jour entre midi et deux heures sauf demain Vendredi soir je n' absente pour trois [] Au plaisir le notre rencontre recevez cher monsieurs mes sentiments hier expresses

[Translation: Dear Sir, Thank you for your letter and even more for your [] I'd be happy to get to know you better and maybe you can give me some useful advice. We can meet you when and where it is convenient If you could phone me to let us know, that would be best, I think. Monday and [] I'm always at home, in the morning before ten o'clock and every day between noon and two o'clock except tomorrow. Friday night I'll be gone for three. [] To the pleasure of meeting you, receive dear sir my feelings expressed yesterday. M. Bruant Tarquin]

For a historian of the period, this is a fine example of the type of polite correspondence in vogue at this time – a rather far cry from the quick emails dashed off today.

This note is a single sheet of laid paper that has been folded in half to make a note card. It measures 7.0 inches by 5.5 inches and is in good condition. The handwriting is legible.