Jules Massenet Handwritten Signed Letter 1893 – Carte Pneumatique JSA LOA For Sale

Authentic Handwritten & Signed Note by Composer Jules Massenet (1832–1912)
Offered here is an original handwritten note by celebrated French composer Jules Massenet, one of the leading figures of the Romantic era. Best known for his operas Manon, Werther, and Thaïs, Massenet was a master of lyrical and dramatic composition.

Note: Priced well below comparable authenticated Massenet letters currently offered online, yet includes full JSA authentication.

This personal note, written and signed “Massenet” in black fountain pen, is dated 5 October 1893 (matin) and penned on a blue“Carte Pneumatique Fermée” — a 19th-century Paris postal form used in the city’s pneumatic tube delivery system. The message, written entirely in Massenet’s hand, conveys warmth and artistic sensibility. The reverse bears the printed postal information and Massenet’s original address to Monsieur Julien Torchet, 140 Faubourg St. Martin, Paris.

The note measures approximately 5 inches by 4¼ inches and remains in remarkable condition for its age.

(Top left: “5 octobre 1893, matin”)

Original French:

Vous êtes inouï, mon bon ami,
mon ami cher, jusque dans la plus
désireuse attention donnée à cette
lecture. Moyen — page —
harmonie — expression — tout
est remarqué — indiqué! —

Votre lettre, c’est ma vraie première —
mais elle est belle! —

Je vous embrasse,

Massenet

English Translation:

You are incredible, my dear friend —
so thoughtful and attentive in your reading.
Every detail — the layout, the harmony,
the expression — everything noted,
everything understood!

Your letter is my very first,
and how beautiful it is!

With my warmest affection,

The note includes a Full Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from James Spence Authentication (JSA), certification #BB72434, confirming that the entire document and signature are in Massenet’s hand.

Addressed to Julien Torchet (French music critic and close friend of Massenet) — a known correspondent and dedicatee of the composer. Torchet was active in Parisian cultural circles of the late 19th century and is cited in La Revue du Siècle (1890) and other French periodicals. Massenet dedicated several works to him, including Le Sylphe and Les Rosati, and inscribed copies of Scènes Alsaciennes to “Julien Torchet, music critic and friend.” Letters to Torchet are preserved today in the Bibliothèque nationale de France, underscoring their long and trusted friendship.

Excellent overall condition for its age. The ink remains dark and bold, and the blue postal card retains its strong color and integrity.
There is one horizontal fold at the center from the original mailing, and minor toning consistent with age. No tears or losses noted. Please review the photos carefully.

• Original handwritten and signed note by Jules Massenet (dated Oct. 5, 1893)

• Written on blue Carte Pneumatique Fermée (5\" × 4¼\")

• Bold “Massenet” signature in black fountain pen

• Full JSA Letter of Authenticity (#BB72434) included

• Addressed to Julien Torchet, Paris music critic and Massenet’s close friend

• Historical example of 19th-century pneumatic post delivery