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several old letters and envelopes are on display on a white surface
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Estimate €1,000 - €1,500
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Description
MERMOZ Jean 4 letters ‘Jean’ (one ‘Jean Mermoz’), 1912–1913, to his ‘dear mum’; 10 pages, in-8 or in-12 format, one with a vignette of the Hirson (Aisne) Primary School (two letters missing). Letters from the young schoolboy Mainbressy, 1 October 1912, to his mother and his ‘dear uncles and aunt’. He has ‘arrived safely […] I had a good journey; I was a bit cramped, but the ladies who were in my compartment got off after Tournes and so I was more at ease. I went back to school this morning […] On my way home from school this evening, I’ll play with my model motor. Grandad and Grandma are picking fruit’… – 20 October. ‘Today is a special day; it’s the Feast of Perpetual Adoration. […] I’ve built a lovely house out of moss and I’m having a great time’… Hirson, 23 January 1913. He isn’t bored, and had a lovely day with his grandmother… “I always try to work hard to please you. You can be sure I’m doing my very best to do so. It’s very cold. The taps have stopped running. The water freezes in the basins in no time at all. […] I’m starting to get chapped hands […] But the cold doesn’t stop us from having a good time playing’; they went sliding on a frozen pond: ‘I picked up more than ten shovels’. He’s eating well: ‘I’m not short of omelette portions. I’ve been told off by the headmaster. Fortunately, it’s only a recitation […] I was a bit too chatty”… – 17 December 1913. He’s looking forward to seeing his mother again “on New Year’s Day. […] As for New Year’s presents, I won’t ask for anything. You know you’re not very well off. I’ll make sure you spend as little money as possible. I’ll be quite happy without presents this year. I’ll always have the satisfaction of working hard and doing you proud. […] Our master is still mistreating us. He pulled me by the hair today. Some of it came away in his hand. […] I’m going to work hard to try and pass the district examination and get a mention in drawing”… A postcard is enclosed for his grandfather, Mr Gillet, in Mainbressy, [Mézières 12 October 1908]: ‘We’ll arrive on Thursday at 6 o’clock in the evening. Lots of love from your little Jean’. Provenance: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936); - Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955); - Then passed down through the family
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About the sale Historical Memories
Auction location
Auction time 11/03/2026 at 11:00 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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