RARE 1901 Real Photo French SANTA St. Nicholas Christmas 'Le Bonhomme Noel' Postcard~A. Bergeret & Charles Nancy

Postcards : Antique : Christmas : Santa : French

 

RARE 1901 Carte Postale French postcard, 'Le Bonhomme Noel' black and white Real Photo from Editions Photographic A. Bergeret et Charles Nancy. The card has a remarkable and compelling image of the French Santa Claus, St. Nicholas walking through the falling snow on Christmas Eve, delivering a huge pack of toys and gifts on his back and his waist. The weight of his deliveries has bent him over and he leans on his staff and carries a large Cross in his right hand. A challis also dangles from his waist sash. His robes are plain, with no fur to protect him, and his beard is long and snowy weight. The front of the card has a poem or song about St. Nicolas (The Fellow of Christmas) printed in French in red lettering, and the words 'Album 236' in pencil written at the right corner. The undivided back is blank and unused, with no writing. Normal darkening to the paper, with a few spots of soil and lighter 'stripe' from attachment in an album. Slight softening at right lower front corner and blunting to the tips. Card is in overall Excellent condition, with no damages of any kind. Image is clean and unmarred. Shipped in a rigid vinyl sleeve and a waterproof mailer for a safe journey.

Item ID: jrl005953