Date of use : 1949 Germany

Envelope Sent to Photo Pharmacy Robert Erdmann in Germany

Envelope from Bentgraf & Franck G.M.B.H. to Drogerie und Photohaus Robert Erdmann. The recipient company is also a pharmacy. Bentgraf & Franck is a company located in Lahr/Schwarzwald, Germany. Based on the information on the envelope, this company operated in the production of cardboard boxes, stationery, and printing services. The "Postcheck-Konto" on the envelope refers to an account number used for transferring money via post at that time (located in Karlsruhe). The "Drogerie und Photohaus" part indicates that the envelope was sent to a business owned by Robert Erdmann ("Drogerie" in German refers to a pharmacy or a store that sells health products, while "Photohaus" refers to a shop that sells photographic supplies).

During this period, pharmacies played an unexpectedly significant role in the popularization of photography. As places where chemicals could be safely and conveniently accessed, they became invaluable resources for both amateur and professional photographers. Through services like film development and photo printing, pharmacies helped spread photography to society and made it more accessible to the general public. By the mid-20th century, this practice gave way to more specialized photography stores.

Additionally, the blue stamp on the envelope is a type of tax stamp.

This item is documented as part of the Photography in Postal History research project.
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