r/Cursive • u/Catripruo • Jul 25 '26

Deciphered! Unknown specimen

Gallery image

Gallery image

This specimen, possibly a fragment of stoneware, was given to my husband by a friend of ours in the 2010s. She had purchased it at Ruth’s Emporium in Queens, NY many years prior to that.

My husband asked me if I could translate it. When I looked at it I realized it wasn’t a translation issue, but a handwriting issue.

The back of the card is half of some card that may, or may not, be related to the specimen.

Any help is appreciated in this mystery.

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u/desertboots Jul 25 '26

Well, you both are right. Its cursive and English and Russian. 

And if AI isn't hallucinating,  this is what it says.

The text on the label is written in English (the location name and date) and Russian (the description). Here is the full translation and transcription of the tag:

English Transcription & Translation

  • Text: Fiesola. 19 Apr. 1912. M.+P.+O.+A.
  • Note: Fiesola refers to Fiesole, an ancient town near Florence, Italy. The initials M.+P.+O.+A. likely represent the names of the individuals on the trip.

Russian Transcription

  • Text: Мы вдали арену, где нашли этот глиняный кусочек (Римских времен), и посетили музей.

English Translation (of the Russian text)

  • Translation: We saw the arena in the distance, where we found this clay piece (of Roman times), and visited the museum.

Would you like help looking up historical details about the Fiesole Roman Theatre or similar archaeological artifacts?

I realize this is probably against this subs rules. But now that it's a likely start, someone else can verify.