A tiny and rather beautiful old French Christmas card, measuring just 8 × 8 cm.

The front has a wonderfully delicate gilt design, with the word “Christmas” sweeping across the top and a small circular country scene beneath, showing two figures walking beside cattle. The ornate gold decoration has softened and worn with age, which I think only adds to its charm.

Inside is an equally lovely period Christmas and New Year greeting:

“As ever the seasons pass you by,
May ne’er a cloudlet dim your sky.”

followed by wishes for a happy Christmas and bright New Year, with an original handwritten signature beneath.

The card has a softly textured cream cover with green thread binding along the fold. There is age-related wear, rubbing and loss to some of the gilt surface, particularly around the decorative frame, all entirely in keeping with its age. Please see photographs for condition.

A lovely little survivor, perfect for a collection of antique paper ephemera, Christmas keepsakes, old cards or simply for displaying amongst other treasured finds.

Measurements: 8 × 8 cm

Date: Early 20th century, approximately 1910s
Origin: France

One only.