Date of use : 1933 Czechoslovakia

Vladimir Albrecht Photographic Equipment Wholesaler

This commercial envelope represents an example of the economic relationships that connected Prague-based businesses with regional clients during the period when the photographic industry was expanding in Central Europe. The printed heading at the top of the envelope includes the name "Vladimír Albrecht – fotokomora." The term "fotokomora" in Czech refers to photographic darkroom equipment or photographic laboratory facilities. The address line "Praha XII, Jugoslavská 16" indicates that the sending firm operated in a commercial district of Prague. This suggests that the business likely dealt in photographic supplies, darkroom equipment, or other technical materials associated with photographic production.

Although detailed biographical information about Vladimír Albrecht remains limited, the printed business heading and the promotional texts on the envelope indicate that the firm was connected with the photographic trade. The envelope also contains advertising statements including phrases such as "5% půjčky Praze." Such promotional messages were commonly printed on commercial envelopes of the period. Businesses often used their correspondence envelopes not only for postal communication but also as advertising media. In this context the envelope functioned simultaneously as a postal document and as a commercial promotional tool.

The recipient line reads "V. (Vaclav) Linhart – foto – Turnov," indicating that the addressee was likely a photographer or photographic business operating in the town of Turnov. Turnov, located in the Bohemian region, was historically known for craft industries, glass production, and small-scale commercial activity. The correspondence between a Prague-based supplier and a photographer in Turnov therefore reflects a regional network of photographic production and supply.

The postage stamp and cancellation mark belong to the postal system of Czechoslovakia. The cancellation includes the inscription "Praha 25," indicating a postal district in Prague, together with a date marking that corresponds to the mid-1930s. During this period photography was rapidly expanding among both professional photographers and amateur users throughout Central Europe. Prague developed into an important regional center for the trade and distribution of photographic equipment. Manufacturers and distributors from Germany, Austria, and Czechoslovakia participated in a competitive market supplying photographic materials to local studios.

From a design perspective the typography of the envelope reflects the commercial aesthetic typical of the period. The sender's name is printed in a bold typographic style, followed by the address beneath it. The advertising texts printed in different colors further emphasize the promotional character of the envelope. This design approach illustrates how commercial correspondence envelopes were frequently used as marketing tools by small businesses.

This item is documented as part of the Photography in Postal History research project.
For research context, see the Research Methodology.
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