Date of use : France

Optics Institute Envelope Sent to French Primary School

This envelope was sent by the Institut d'Optique et de Photographie (Institute of Optics and Photography), an institution operating in France. The institute specializes in optical medical devices (optique médicale), eyewear production (lunetterie), binoculars, and other optical accessories (jumelles). This diversity highlights the institute's expertise not only in photography but also in optical devices used in both medical and everyday applications.

The envelope features Gex-Meyrieux & Cie, a company based in Dijon, France, that supplies optical and photographic equipment. The company offers a wide range of products, including those from the internationally renowned Kodak brand. This indicates Kodak's strong presence in the French market and the collaboration between optical retailers and global brands.

The recipient of the envelope is the principal of a primary school in Arc-sur-Tille, a town in the Côte-d'Or region (M. le Directeur de l'École primaire d'Arc-sur-Tille). This suggests that firms in the optical and photography sectors maintained direct communication with educational institutions.

This envelope serves as a valuable historical document reflecting the operations of the optical and photography industry in early 20th-century France. In particular, it highlights the widespread availability of Kodak products in France and the connection between firms in the optical and photographic sectors and educational institutions, making it an important piece of historical evidence.

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