Date of use : 1938 Mexico

La Union Quimica Cover to I.G. Farben with Agfa Logo

This envelope was sent by the chemical company La Union Quimica, S.A., operating in Mexico, and bears the famous Agfa logo. Agfa was a pioneering German brand in the production of photography and film products during the 20th century and played a significant role in the photography and chemical industries. The recipient section includes the name "I.G. Farbenindustrie A.G.," a large German company that operated between 1925 and 1945, producing dyes, pharmaceuticals, and photographic materials. Additionally, the term "Abteilung Foto Uebersee" found in the recipient section translates to "Photography Overseas Department" and highlights the company's international trade activities.

The "Correo Aéreo" (Air Mail) stamp on the envelope indicates that it was transported by air, providing a glimpse into the fast and modern postal services of the era. Agfa's influence in the international market was strengthened in 1928 when it acquired the American photography manufacturer Ansco. Later, it merged with the Belgian company Gevaert, becoming Agfa-Gevaert and establishing itself as a significant player on a global scale.

Record Information

Title: La Union Quimica Cover to I.G. Farben with Agfa Logo

Category: Photographic Industry History / Commercial Correspondence

Subcategory: International Trade / Airmail

Country: Mexico (Origin) / Germany (Destination)

City: Mexico City → Berlin

Date of use: c. 1938 (based on design and I.G. Farben period 1925-1945)

Sender: La Union Quimica, S.A., Paseo de la Reforma 5, Apartado 2819, Mexico D.F.

Recipient: I.G. Farbenindustrie A.G., Abteilung Foto Uebersee (Photography Overseas Department), Berlin SO36

Object Type: International airmail cover / business correspondence

Postal Features: "CORREO AEREO" markings (front and back), Mexican airmail stamps, Agfa logo prominently displayed

Companies: Agfa (German photographic brand, acquired Ansco 1928, later merged with Gevaert to form Agfa-Gevaert); I.G. Farbenindustrie A.G. (German chemical conglomerate, 1925-1945)

Language: Spanish / German

Material: Paper envelope

Dimensions: Standard envelope format

Collection Theme: Agfa corporate history, I.G. Farben networks, Mexico-Germany trade, pre-WWII commerce, photographic industry supply chains

Archival Significance: This 1930s envelope documents the commercial relationship between La Union Quimica, a Mexican chemical company, and I.G. Farben's Photography Overseas Department in Berlin. The prominent Agfa logo illustrates the brand's integration into I.G. Farben's vast industrial empire (1925-1945). Agfa, a pioneering German photographic manufacturer, had strengthened its international position by acquiring American firm Ansco in 1928, later merging with Gevaert to become Agfa-Gevaert. The "CORREO AEREO" markings highlight the importance of airmail for transatlantic commerce in the pre-war era. This item is a primary source for understanding the global reach of I.G. Farben's photographic division, the distribution networks connecting Latin America with German chemical and photographic industries, and the commercial infrastructure that supported Agfa's international presence before World War II.

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.
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