Date of use : 1925 Romania

Voigtländer & Sohn A.G. Postcard with 1925 Entry Stamp

Voigtländer & Sohn A.G. is one of Germany's oldest optical companies, specializing in the production of optical devices and cameras. It was founded in 1756 in Vienna by Johann Christoph Voigtländer. The company is known for its pioneering inventions and high-quality products in the field of photography and optics. In 1840, Voigtländer produced the first fully metal-bodied camera and, in 1841, the first mathematically calculated photographic lens, known as the "Petzval lens." In 1868, Voigtländer & Sohn relocated from Vienna to Braunschweig and later became a joint-stock company (A.G. - Aktiengesellschaft).

Voigtländer & Sohn A.G. specialized in the production of optical instruments, binoculars, microscopes, telescopes, and particularly cameras. The company's headquarters in Braunschweig was the heart of its production and innovation during its most productive periods. By the early 20th century, the company had become one of the world leaders in camera manufacturing.

Additionally, the blue stamp "Eingang" (meaning "entry" in German) on the card is typically used to record the receipt of mail by a company or organization. This stamp indicates that the postcard was received by Voigtländer & Sohn A.G. on June 17, 1925.

The writing on the back of the card states:

"Please send me the current price list for Voigtländer & Sohn's cameras and lenses. Also, kindly inform me if you still have copies of Erwin Raupp's 'Porträtstudien' (Portrait Studies) album available, and provide the price. Thank you, with best regards. Al. Poni, (Romania) Lawyer."

Furthermore, the card mentions Erwin Raupp (1863-1931), a photographer and artist born in Germany. He was influential in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly known for his portrait photography work.

Record Information

Title: Voigtländer & Sohn A.G. Postcard with 1925 Entry Stamp

Category: Photographic Industry History / Commercial Correspondence

Subcategory: Camera Manufacturing / International Inquiry

Country: Romania → Germany

City: (Romania) → Braunschweig

Date of use: 1925 (received by Voigtländer & Sohn on 17 June 1925)

Company (Recipient): Voigtländer & Sohn A.G., Braunschweig, Germany. Founded 1756 in Vienna by Johann Christoph Voigtländer. Pioneer in optical devices and cameras; produced first all-metal camera (1840) and Petzval lens (1841). Relocated to Braunschweig in 1868. World leader in early 20th-century camera manufacturing.

Sender: Al. Poni, Lawyer, Romania. Sent an inquiry for a current price list of cameras and lenses, and for Erwin Raupp's 'Porträtstudien' album.

Mentioned Person: Erwin Raupp (1863-1931), German photographer and artist, known for portrait photography.

Object Type: International postal card (commercial inquiry)

Postal Features: Romanian stamps, blue "Eingang" (entry) stamp of Voigtländer & Sohn dated 17 June 1925

Language: German (message)

Material: Paper postal card

Dimensions: Standard postcard format

Collection Theme: Voigtländer company history, Petzval lens, European photographic trade, customer inquiries, Erwin Raupp portrait studies, 1920s camera market.

Archival Significance: This 1925 postcard documents a direct customer inquiry to Voigtländer & Sohn, a legendary optical company. The request for a price list and Erwin Raupp's album illustrates the connection between camera manufacturers and photographic literature. The "Eingang" stamp provides precise dating and shows internal mail handling. It is a primary source for understanding customer relations and the international reach of German optical firms in the 1920s.

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.
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