1894 Paris Petit Bleu Forwarded Returned Telegram 50c Chaplain # 1248

Authentic 1894 French Paris pneumatic-post telegram, commonly known as a “Petit Bleu.” Printed on blue-green postal stationery with the 50-centime République Française Télégraphe design by Chaplain and Paris postal cancellations appearing to date from July 9, 1894. The front shows extensive handwritten postal-service markings, crossed-out address information and forwarding or return notations, indicating that the telegram was redirected during delivery and may ultimately have been returned. These multiple routing marks give it more postal-history interest than a normally delivered example. The handwritten French message begins “Cher cousin” and concerns a personal visit. The sender explains that it is impossible to come that day or the following day, hopes to visit later and sends affectionate regards to the recipient and his wife. A genuine late-19th-century artifact from Paris’s pneumatic-tube communication system. The postal form itself is not considered a major rarity, but the unusually heavy forwarding, redirection and return markings make this example visually distinctive and desirable to collectors of French postal history. Condition includes original folds, extensive handwritten postal markings, crossed-out address details, ink smudges, staining, edge wear and general age-related handling. The printed design and most handwriting remain visible. Please examine all photographs carefully for exact condition. Sold as an original historical document.