Date of use : 1932 Germany

Habermann Photo Studio and Urgent Mail Return Cover

This business envelope, titled Habermann Photohandlung Photogr. Kunstanstalt Eberswalde, likely belonged to a business owned or managed by someone with the surname Habermann. The term Photohandlung refers to a store specializing in the sale of photographic equipment and materials, while Photogr. Kunstanstalt typically denotes a business involved in producing or processing products related to the photographic arts. Based on this information, it can be inferred that this establishment served as a hub for meeting the needs of photographers of the time, such as films, printing services, and equipment.

Examining other details on the envelope, the red markings are particularly notable. These markings indicate that the letter was undelivered or returned. (This might have been due to reasons such as the recipient being unavailable at the given address, the address being incorrect, or the recipient refusing the letter.) Additionally, there is a red label on the envelope bearing the word Eilboten, which translates to "Express Mail" in German. This type of service ensured the letter was handled as a priority and delivered swiftly. In early 20th-century Germany, such a service was especially utilized for important documents or business correspondence, requiring an additional fee for the expedited handling.

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