Date of use : 1904, Germany
Theodor Stephani: Photographer, Alt-Jonsdorf near Zittau
This German postcard represents an interesting example of early twentieth-century correspondence connected to the professional and social environment of photographers. The front of the card identifies the recipient as "Herrn Theodor Stephani, Photograph," indicating that Theodor Stephani worked professionally as a photographer. The card is addressed through August Liepelt and lists the destination as Alt-Jonsdorf near Zittau, a locality in the Saxony region of Germany. The postal cancellation dated 6 September 1904 indicates that the card passed through the postal system at Hirschdorf.
Theodor Stephani (1879-1948) was most likely a regional studio photographer. During the decades around the turn of the twentieth century, the number of photographic studios in Germany increased rapidly, and many small towns supported at least one professional photographer. Such studios specialized in portrait photography, cabinet cards, and family portraits. They played an important role in creating visual records of local communities and therefore became integral elements of everyday social life.
The handwritten message on the reverse side contains a detailed response regarding an industrial matter, likely related to boiler cleaning and track-laying. The sender discusses instructions received, a second inquiry made by someone named Numan, and promises to make further inquiries about the timeline for track-laying. This type of message illustrates how postcards served as a practical and rapid means of business communication during the period.
Deutsch (Original):
Geehrte Frau Assi: Nezlau!
Antwortlich Ihres werthen vom 5. d. M. theile Ihnen mit, daß ich auf Grund meines Briefes betreffs dieser Angelegenheit geschrieben und darauf dieselbe Weisung erhielt die Kessel säubern zu lassen, folge dessen auch die Weisung Numan mittheilte dieses zu befolgen.
Die 2. Anfrage kann nur nochmals von Numan aber nicht von mir ausgesprochen worden sein deshalb mich die zweite Weisung ganz befremdet.
Was die Vergnügung alle anbetrifft ist nicht bekannt, wann und wie die Gleislegung erfolgt, werde ich mich nochmals erkundigen und theile Ihnen Weiteres mit.
Bis auf ein wieder Begrüßen wie hoffen zu können grüßt ebenfalls herzlich
C. Noack & Frau
Antwortlich Ihres werthen vom 5. d. M. theile Ihnen mit, daß ich auf Grund meines Briefes betreffs dieser Angelegenheit geschrieben und darauf dieselbe Weisung erhielt die Kessel säubern zu lassen, folge dessen auch die Weisung Numan mittheilte dieses zu befolgen.
Die 2. Anfrage kann nur nochmals von Numan aber nicht von mir ausgesprochen worden sein deshalb mich die zweite Weisung ganz befremdet.
Was die Vergnügung alle anbetrifft ist nicht bekannt, wann und wie die Gleislegung erfolgt, werde ich mich nochmals erkundigen und theile Ihnen Weiteres mit.
Bis auf ein wieder Begrüßen wie hoffen zu können grüßt ebenfalls herzlich
C. Noack & Frau
English Translation:
Esteemed Mrs. Assi, Nezlau!
In reply to your valued letter of the 5th of this month, I inform you that, based on my previous correspondence regarding this matter, I received the same instruction to have the boilers cleaned, and accordingly I conveyed this instruction to Numan to carry it out.
The second inquiry could only have been made again by Numan, but not by me; therefore, the second instruction greatly surprised me.
As for the matter of the arrangement, it is not yet known when and how the track-laying will take place. I will make further inquiries and inform you accordingly.
Hoping to have the opportunity to greet you again,
with kind regards,
C. Noack & Wife
In reply to your valued letter of the 5th of this month, I inform you that, based on my previous correspondence regarding this matter, I received the same instruction to have the boilers cleaned, and accordingly I conveyed this instruction to Numan to carry it out.
The second inquiry could only have been made again by Numan, but not by me; therefore, the second instruction greatly surprised me.
As for the matter of the arrangement, it is not yet known when and how the track-laying will take place. I will make further inquiries and inform you accordingly.
Hoping to have the opportunity to greet you again,
with kind regards,
C. Noack & Wife
Record Information
Title: Theodor Stephani Photographer Postcard (Hirschdorf to Alt-Jonsdorf)
Category: Photographic Studios / Business Correspondence
Subcategory: German Regional Photographers / Early 20th Century Communication
Country: Germany (Sender: Hirschdorf) → Germany (Recipient: Alt-Jonsdorf)
🗺️ Show Route
City: Hirschdorf (Sender) → Alt-Jonsdorf near Zittau, Saxony (Recipient: Theodor Stephani)
Date of use: 6 September 1904
Person (Recipient): Theodor Stephani (1879-1948), Photographer, Alt-Jonsdorf near Zittau, Saxony, Germany.
Sender: C. Noack & Wife
Object Type: Business postcard (handwritten correspondence)
Postal Route 🚂: Hirschdorf → Alt-Jonsdorf, Saxony, Germany (6 September 1904)
Estimated Travel Time: Approximately 1 day (by regional rail)
Postal Features: German "Deutsches Reich" postage stamp; Hirschdorf postal cancellation (6 September 1904).
Language: German
Material: Paper (postcard stock)
Dimensions: Standard postcard format
Collection Theme: Theodor Stephani, Alt-Jonsdorf photography, Zittau region, Saxon photographers, German photographic studios
Archival Significance: This 1904 postcard documents business correspondence addressed to Theodor Stephani, a professional photographer in Alt-Jonsdorf, Saxony, illustrating the social and professional networks of regional German photographers in the early twentieth century. The message discusses industrial matters including boiler cleaning and track-laying, reflecting the diverse nature of communications received by local photographers.
Research Note:
This article is based on historical research and independent analysis of the material in the author's collection. The text has been prepared as an original interpretative study and does not reproduce copyrighted material.
This item is documented as part of the Photography in Postal History research project.
For research context, see the Research Methodology.
For academic reference, please refer to How to Cite This Archive.
For research context, see the Research Methodology.
For academic reference, please refer to How to Cite This Archive.
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