Date of use : 1922, Switzerland
Gebrüder Herbst Wooden Camera Makers
The first quarter of the twentieth century was a period during which photographic technology developed rapidly both technically and commercially. During this time an extensive network of correspondence emerged among manufacturers, distributors, and commercial agencies dealing with photographic equipment across Europe. This postcard, sent from Geneva to Görlitz, represents a small yet significant historical document illustrating the international commercial networks of the photographic industry.
The sender of the card is Comptoir de Photographie Société Anonyme, a photographic trading company based in Geneva. The French term "comptoir" refers to a commercial office or trading agency, indicating that the firm most likely operated as an intermediary involved in the import, distribution, and sale of photographic equipment. From the late nineteenth century onward Geneva developed into an important European center for the trade of optical instruments and precision equipment. Switzerland's neutral trade environment and stable financial system allowed numerous companies to conduct international business through this city.
The recipient of the postcard is the firm Gebrüder Herbst, whose address includes the phrase "Fabrik photographischer Apparate," indicating that the company was engaged in the manufacture of photographic cameras. The city of Görlitz had become an important center for optical and precision mechanical industries in Germany during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Several small and medium-sized companies specializing in camera construction and optical components operated there. The firm Gebrüder Herbst can therefore be understood as part of this broader industrial environment connected to photographic manufacturing.
The message on the reverse side contains a commercial inquiry requesting a quotation. The sender expresses interest in a studio camera of the 24×30 cm format, equipped with a base or stand (Fuss), and asks for an offer including a device referred to as a "multiplicator." Such equipment was commonly used in studio photography to allow the production of photographs in various formats from the same camera system. The reference to "Visit bis 18×24" likely refers to the range of photographic plate or print sizes that could be produced, including the widely used portrait format known as the carte de visite.
From a philatelic perspective the postcard bears a Swiss 25 rappen Helvetia stamp and a Geneva postal cancellation dated 14 January 1922. The marking "Genève – Exp. Lettre" indicates that the item was processed through the Geneva postal system. During this period the Swiss postal network was widely regarded as one of the most reliable in Europe, which explains why international commercial correspondence frequently circulated through Switzerland.
The blue cross mark visible on the front of the card may indicate a postal handling mark commonly applied when mail could not be delivered or required redirection. Such markings were often added by postal officials during the sorting or forwarding process.
From a collecting perspective the postcard can be classified within several thematic categories, including the history of the photographic industry, camera manufacturers, international commercial correspondence, and European postal history. Its direct reference to studio camera equipment makes it particularly interesting for collectors concerned with the technological development of photography.
In conclusion, this postcard represents a valuable micro-historical document illustrating the international trade networks of photographic equipment in the early twentieth century. The correspondence between a trading company in Geneva and a camera manufacturer in Germany highlights the cross-border nature of the photographic industry during this period. As such, the document should be viewed not merely as a philatelic item but also as an archival record reflecting the economic and technological history of photography.
📜✍️
REVERSE SIDE - HANDWRITTEN MESSAGE (TRANSCRIPTION & TRANSLATION)
French → English
📝 Original French text (handwritten):
"Genève, le 14 janvier 1922
Messieurs Gebrüder Herbst,
Veuillez nous faire parvenir votre meilleur prix pour un appareil de studio format 24×30 cm avec pied, ainsi que pour un multiplicator.
Nous désirons également connaître le prix pour un appareil Visit jusqu'à 18×24.
Dans l'attente de votre réponse, nous vous prions d'agréer, Messieurs, nos salutations distinguées.
Comptoir de Photographie S.A."
Messieurs Gebrüder Herbst,
Veuillez nous faire parvenir votre meilleur prix pour un appareil de studio format 24×30 cm avec pied, ainsi que pour un multiplicator.
Nous désirons également connaître le prix pour un appareil Visit jusqu'à 18×24.
Dans l'attente de votre réponse, nous vous prions d'agréer, Messieurs, nos salutations distinguées.
Comptoir de Photographie S.A."
📖 English translation:
"Geneva, 14 January 1922
Dear Messrs. Gebrüder Herbst,
Please send us your best price for a studio camera format 24×30 cm with stand, as well as for a multiplicator.
We would also like to know the price for a Visit camera up to 18×24.
Awaiting your reply, we remain, dear Sirs, yours faithfully.
Comptoir de Photographie S.A."
📷 Context: This commercial inquiry requests pricing for studio camera equipment (24×30 cm format with stand, multiplicator, and Visit camera up to 18×24). The multiplicator was a device used in studio photography to produce multiple format prints from a single negative.
Record Information
Title: Comptoir de Photographie Business Postcard (Geneva to Görlitz)
Category: Photographic Industry History / International Commercial Correspondence
Subcategory: Swiss-German Trade / Studio Camera Equipment
Country: Switzerland (Sender: Geneva) → Germany (Recipient: Görlitz)
🗺️ Show Route
City: Geneva (Sender: Comptoir de Photographie S.A.) → Görlitz, Silesia (Recipient: Gebrüder Herbst)
Date of use: 14 January 1922
Company (Sender): Comptoir de Photographie Société Anonyme, Geneva, Switzerland. A photographic trading company and commercial agency involved in the import, distribution, and sale of photographic equipment.
Company (Recipient): Gebrüder Herbst, Fabrik photographischer Apparate, Görlitz, Silesia, Germany. A camera manufacturer specializing in studio cameras and photographic equipment, active in the early 20th century.
Object Type: Commercial postcard (business correspondence)
Postal Route 🚂📮 (Estimated Route): Geneva, Switzerland → Görlitz, Germany (14 January 1922)
Estimated Travel Time: Approximately 3-5 days (railway via Zurich, Munich, Dresden)
Postal Features: Swiss 25-rappen Helvetia postage stamp; Geneva postal cancellation (14 January 1922); "Genève – Exp. Lettre" marking.
Language: French / German
Material: Paper (postcard stock)
Dimensions: Standard postcard format
Collection Theme: Comptoir de Photographie, Geneva commerce, Gebrüder Herbst, Görlitz camera manufacturing, studio cameras, multiplicator, photographic equipment trade, Swiss-German trade, Helvetia stamps, 1920s postal history, Central European trade networks.
Archival Significance: This 1922 postcard documents international commercial correspondence between a Geneva photographic trading company and the German camera manufacturer Gebrüder Herbst, illustrating the cross-border trade networks that supplied studio camera equipment in early twentieth-century Europe.
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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