French general who was honored as a national hero for his defense of Verdun during World War I, but who was convicted after World War II of dealings with the enemy while head of the collaborationist Vichy regime. ANS in French, signed “Ph. Petain,” one page, 5.25 x 8, no date. Brief note at the bottom of a typed invitation to Petain to attend a dinner meeting for novelist Paul Hervieu. Petain writes: “Yes and with pleasure. Champagne will pump out this day, won’t it?” In fine condition, with vertical fold through a single letter of signature, and a few creases. RRAuction COA.
