Look closely at this postcard, in the lower left corner : there is a logo depicting a column topped with an eagle, or something resembling it.

At the bottom right of the column, there is a number : 12043, and just below it, another number : 31253.

The postcard itself is quite classic, titled "A colonial infantry barracks.

" But what really draws attention is the majestic avenue leading to the entrance of the barracks. The location is Saigon, and according to the date inscribed in the upper right corner : December 29, 1903, confirmed by the postmark on the back of the card, the view was taken before 1903.

The publisher of this map produced maps between 1899 and 1904, then mysteriously disappeared. It seems that he was active at a time when local publishers were rare. Cartacaro thinks that it may have been a German or Austrian publisher, distributing maps in China and the Dutch East Indies. Why not in Cochinchina as well, on the route between Marseille and Shanghai ?

Do you have any ideas on this topic ? Feel free to share your information. If you keep it to yourself, it might be lost. Participate in enriching our knowledge, contribute to enriching our collective history.

Thank you !
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