Windows to the Maghreb: The Ethereal Allure of Old Tangier

 There is a profound sense of stillness that radiates from a vintage postcard, a frozen fragment of a world that has since moved on at a dizzying pace. As a dedicated collector of historical ephemera, I have spent decades curating a gallery of these "paper time machines." This latest acquisition—a stunning black-and-white view of the Mosquée des Aïssaouas in Tangier, Morocco—is a masterpiece of early 20th-century travel photography that captures the soul of the "White City."

This card is more than just a souvenir; it is a testament to the golden age of the postcard, produced by the legendary French printing house Lévy et Neurdein Réunis.

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The Mosque of the Aïssaouas and the Kasbah, Tangier, Morocco

A View from the Casbah: Architectural Splendor

The front of the postcard presents a breathtaking panoramic view of Tangier. Dominating the center of the frame is the minaret of the Mosquée des Aïssaouas, its intricate tile work and geometric patterns rendered in striking detail despite the monochromatic palette. The mosque belongs to the Aïssaoua brotherhood, a Sufi order known for its spiritual music and deep roots in Moroccan culture.

Surrounding the minaret is a sprawling sea of white-washed buildings that define the Casbah (the fortress) and the surrounding medina. In the foreground, we see the domestic side of Tangier: laundry hanging to dry on a rooftop, a reminder of the vibrant, daily life occurring beneath the watchful eye of the tower. To the right, a solitary palm tree reaches toward the sky, adding a classic North African silhouette to the composition.

In the distant background, the higher elevations of the city rise, punctuated by historical fortifications. The lack of modern skyscrapers or motorized traffic places us firmly in an era where the pace of life was dictated by the call to prayer and the tides of the Mediterranean.

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The Art of the Impression: Lévy et Neurdein Réunis

The reverse of the postcard provides a fascinating glimpse into the industry of history. The central spine of the card identifies the publishers: Lévy et Neurdein Réunis, 44, Rue Letellier, Paris, Imp..

Formed by the merger of two of the most significant French photographic firms—Lévy Fils et Cie and Neurdein Frères—this company was responsible for some of the most iconic images of the French colonial empire and the Mediterranean. Their work is characterized by a high degree of technical skill and an "orientalist" aesthetic that sought to capture the romantic, exotic allure of foreign lands for a European audience.

The French text on the back, "N’écrire que sur le côté réservé à la correspondance," (Write only on the side reserved for correspondence), reminds us of the strict postal regulations of the time. The card remains unposted and pristine, its cream-colored stock holding the weight of a century without a single ink stain to mar its surface.

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Tangier: The International Crossroads

When this photo was taken—likely in the early 1900s—Tangier was one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. It was a place of intrigue, a "Zone Internationale" that attracted writers, artists, spies, and socialites.

Looking at this image, one can almost hear the sounds of the Zoco Chico (the little market) or smell the scent of mint tea and spices wafting through the narrow alleys. The Mosquée des Aïssaouas stood as a spiritual anchor in a city that was rapidly changing as European powers vied for influence in North Africa.

For a collector, the "LL" mark on the front (referring to Louis Lévy) signifies a certain standard of quality. These cards were the Instagram of their day, allowing people to share the wonders of the world with those back home.

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Why Vintage Postcards Matter

In our digital age, where images are ephemeral and easily deleted, there is something deeply grounding about holding a piece of paper that has survived two World Wars and the turn of a millennium. This postcard is a physical link to a photographer who stood on a rooftop in Morocco, adjusted his tripod, and waited for the light to hit the minaret just right.

Collecting these items is an act of preservation. By housing this card in my collection, I am ensuring that the vista of the Mosquée des Aïssaouas isn't forgotten. It allows us to compare the Tangier of yesterday with the bustling port city of today, highlighting what has been lost and what remains eternal.

Final Reflections

The Mosquée des Aïssaouas remains an important site in Tangier, but the view captured by Lévy et Neurdein Réunis is a unique perspective of a bygone era. It invites us to slow down, look closer, and appreciate the architectural and social tapestry of Morocco.

The Golden Hour of Antiquity: Unveiling a Vintage Postcard of Rome’s Acqua Claudia

 There is a specific kind of magic found in early 20th-century postcards—a blend of historical documentation and romantic artistry. This particular card, a beautiful lithograph of the Campagna Romana, transports us back to an era when the Roman countryside was a vast, pastoral landscape punctuated only by the skeletal remains of the ancient world.

The Scene: Sunset at Acqua Claudia

The front of the postcard features a painterly rendition of the Acqua Claudia, one of the "four great aqueducts of Rome." Completed in 52 AD by Emperor Claudius, it once stretched over 43 miles, bringing water from the Caerulean and Curtian springs to the heart of the Eternal City.

In this artwork, the ruins are bathed in the soft, rosy hues of a Mediterranean sunset. The artist has captured a lone figure on horseback—a buttero (Italian cowboy) or perhaps a traveling shepherd—crossing a small stream in the foreground. This inclusion isn't just for scale; it emphasizes the "Grand Tour" aesthetic that made the Roman Campagna a favourite subject for artists like Poussin and Claude Lorrain. The reflection of the arches in the still water adds a layer of tranquillity, bridging the gap between the monumental engineering of the past and the quiet rural life of the present.

Dating the Card: A Deltiologist’s Detective Work

Dating a vintage postcard requires looking at both the art and the "anatomy" of the card's reverse side.

• The Divided Back: The back of the card features a vertical dashed line, splitting the space into a message area (left) and an address area (right). This is known as a "Divided Back" postcard. In Italy and much of Europe, the Universal Postal Union authorized this format around 1905–1906. Prior to this, postcards had "undivided backs," where the entire reverse was reserved for the address, forcing senders to scribble messages on the front.

• The Publisher’s Mark: In the bottom-left corner of the reverse, we see a distinctive diamond-shaped logo containing a stylized mountain (likely Vesuvius or the Alps) and the initials "F & C." This is the mark of Finkenrath & Grasnick, a prolific postcard publisher based in Berlin, Germany.

• The Serial Number: The number 205 next to the logo indicates its place in a specific series of Italian views.

Estimated Date: Given the divided back and the fact that German printers dominated the high-end lithographic market until the outbreak of World War I, this card most likely dates from 1905 to 1914. After 1914, the trade routes for German-printed cards were largely severed due to the war.

The Campagna Romana in Modern Times

Today, the area depicted in this postcard is largely preserved within the Parco degli Acquedotti (Park of the Aqueducts) in Rome. While the "Campagna" is no longer the desolate, marshy wilderness it was in the 19th century, you can still stand in the very spot where this artist likely sat. The towering arches of the Acqua Claudia still catch the orange light of the setting sun, much as they did when this postcard was printed over a century ago.

For collectors (deltiologists), pieces like this are more than just paper; they are "time machines" that capture the intersection of Roman history, German printing excellence, and the timeless beauty of the Italian landscape.

A Message of Hope from Herm Island: A Personal History of Postcards and Resilience

 The beauty of collecting vintage postcards lies in the intersection of two worlds: the scenic vista on the front and the intimate, often poignant, human narrative on the back. Recently, I added a particularly moving piece to my collection—a postcard from Herm Island in the Bailiwick of Guernsey.

While the front captures the serene, timeless beauty of the Channel Isles, the message on the reverse provides a deeply personal glimpse into a life marked by struggle, relief, and the simple joy of a "peaceful break."

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Herm Harbour and West Coast

The Scene: Herm’s Golden Coastline

The front of the postcard features a sweeping high-angle view of Herm Harbour and the west coast beaches. In the foreground, the lush, emerald greenery of the island slopes down toward the turquoise waters of the English Channel. You can see the small stone pier—the lifeline of the island—where the Trident ferry from Guernsey arrives.

Nestled into the hillside is the iconic Fisherman’s Cottage, a landmark that has greeted visitors for generations. For any collector of Channel Island memorabilia, this image represents the ultimate escape: no cars, no crowds, just the sound of the Atlantic and the cry of gulls.

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The Message: Beyond the Scenery

While the photography is beautiful, it is the handwriting of a man named Michael that truly makes this item a standout in my collection. Written to an Olive M. Robinson in Pinner, Middlesex, the letter is a testament to the era when postcards were the primary way to share significant life updates.

A Journey Through "Traumatic" Times

Michael begins by thanking Olive for her "kind Easter greetings." He mentions that he and Gwen are enjoying a peaceful break after a "traumatic eighteen months." In our modern age of instant messaging, we often lose the weight of words. To write "traumatic" on a postcard—a public medium—suggests a period of immense gravity. However, the next sentence provides the emotional payoff that makes this postcard so special:

"I am delighted to be able to say that recent tests at the Royal Marsden show I am still 100% clear of the cancer at the moment."

The Royal Marsden is a world-renowned specialist cancer treatment centre in London. Knowing that this trip to the quiet shores of Herm followed a successful battle with illness transforms the scenic image on the front. The "peaceful break" wasn't just a holiday; it was a celebration of life.

Social Ties and Community

Michael goes on to mention mutual acquaintances—Pam Griffiths and Mary Richards—and expresses regret at missing "Sr. Bell’s retirement and this year’s reunion." These details highlight the social fabric of the time. Postcards served as the "social media" of the 20th century, keeping friends informed of health updates, reunions, and common connections across the miles.

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Collector’s Corner: Philatelic and Geographic Details

For the technical collectors out there, this postcard is a treasure trove of local Guernsey history:

• The Stamp: A 20p Guernsey stamp featuring a historic scene of a horse-drawn carriage.

• The Postmark: It bears the "Herm Island" crest and a "Guernsey Post" cancellation. Herm is unique in that it has a long history of issuing its own stamps (local carriage labels) to transport mail to the main post office in Guernsey.

• The Publisher: Designed and produced by The Guernsey Press Co. Ltd., a staple of local printing history.

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Why This Postcard Matters

I collect these items because they remind me that every place has a story, and every traveller carries a burden or a blessing. Michael’s postcard is more than just "Herm Harbour"; it is a document of resilience.

When Michael looked out at the Fisherman’s Cottage and the west coast beaches in the late 20th century, he wasn't just looking at a view. He was looking at a world he had fought to stay in. This postcard serves as a beautiful reminder to appreciate our own "peaceful breaks" and the health that allows us to enjoy them.

In a digital world, let’s not forget the power of a handwritten note sent from a tiny island in the sea. It can carry a lifetime of hope.