Vintage Belgian "Bonne fête" postcard with young girl with a bouquet of flowers from 1909. Unwritten back. 

In Europe and probably in other countries, it is tradition to wish a "bonne fête" to relatives and friends according to their first name and the calendar of saints. It is a tradition dating from the 16th century that lasted until the beginning of the 20th century and is gradually being lost.

Huge French lottery tickets "Les gueules cassées" from 1936.

These lottery tickets were sold on the street or in small shops to help veterans.

Huge French lottery tickets "Les gueules cassées" from 1937.

These lottery tickets were sold on the street or in small shops to help veterans.

Huge French lottery tickets "Les gueules cassées" from 1938.

These lottery tickets were sold on the street or in small shops to help veterans.

Set of 10 French bills of exchange from different periods (from 1950s to 1980s), paper sizes and textures.

The last photo shows the back of the bills of exchange.

These bills of exchange are financial instruments for loans between companies. Before the massive arrival of computers, these exchanges were carried out by hand as shown by these documents.

Set of 10 French bills of exchange from different periods (from 1950s to 1980s), paper sizes and textures.

The last photo shows the back of the bills of exchange.

These bills of exchange are financial instruments for loans between companies. Before the massive arrival of computers, these exchanges were carried out by hand as shown by these documents.

Set of 10 French bills of exchange from different periods (from 1950s to 1980s), paper sizes and textures.

The last photo shows the back of the bills of exchange.

These bills of exchange are financial instruments for loans between companies. Before the massive arrival of computers, these exchanges were carried out by hand as shown by these documents.

Set of 10 French bills of exchange from different periods (from 1950s to 1980s), paper sizes and textures.

These bills of exchange are financial instruments for loans between companies. Before the massive arrival of computers, these exchanges were carried out by hand as shown by these documents.

10 French bills of exchange with beautiful red tax stamps from 1970s.

These bills of exchange are financial instruments for loans between companies. Before the massive arrival of computers, these exchanges were carried out by hand as shown by these documents. The last photos shows the back of the bills of exchange. Each pack is very similar.

French postcard representing a young woman surrounded by flowers with the legend "Bonne fête". This postcard dates from 1900s. it has been sent, but the back is unwritten.

Old French photograph of a middle class woman in the 1910s

A funny animal illustration by French painter and illustrator Ray-Lambert dating from the 1930s.

A funny animal illustration by French painter and illustrator Ray-Lambert dating from the 1930s.

A funny animal illustration by French painter and illustrator Ray-Lambert dating from the 1930s.

A funny animal illustration by French painter and illustrator Ray-Lambert dating from the 1930s.