Date of use : 1942, Germany
Photo-Union Lorenz Postcard, Germany 1942
This postcard from 1942 belongs to Photo-Union Gebrüder Lorenz (Lorenz Brothers), a photographic equipment supplier based in Vienna, the capital of Austria. The company is located at Franz Josef Kai 47, one of the key commercial hubs of the era. On the left side of the card, a detailed technical drawing of a film projector, reflecting the quality and advanced technology of the photographic and cinema equipment offered by the company. The phrase at the bottom, "Vorteilhafte Bezugsquelle für den gesamten Photobedarf," emphasizes that the firm serves as a favorable source for all photographic needs.
The card was sent to a photo house operating under the name F. J. Weidinger in the city of Linz. The term "Photohaus" indicates that this establishment was either a photographic studio or a retailer of photographic supplies. Such postcards were commonly used during that period across Europe as part of extensive commercial networks to promote products and inform customers.
The postage stamp bears a cancellation mark with the Nazi propaganda slogan "Mit dem Führer zum Sieg!" (With the Leader to Victory!). This mark is not only an indication of the postcard's mailing but also serves as a significant reflection of the ideological and political climate of the time.
Upon examining the details of the projector depicted on the card, it is believed to be a 16 mm film projector manufactured in Germany during the 1930s. Prominent German projector manufacturers of that era included Siemens, Lytax Klangton, and Eberlein & Krug Apparatebau (EKA). Siemens was known for producing robust 16 mm projectors with high-quality optical systems. Lytax Klangton specialized in projectors designed especially for home cinema use. EKA offered models capable of handling both 8 mm and 16 mm film formats, which were widely preferred for home cinema as well as educational purposes. These projectors represent an important chapter in the history of cinema technology and reflect the technological and practical needs of the 1930s.
The following note appears on the back of the card:
✉️ LETTER CONTENT ✉️
Company: F. J. Weidinger, Linz a. D., Schmidtstraße 2
Sir,
According to our records, the stand (stativ) delivered to us for repair on July 5 was returned to you on August 25.
Unfortunately, the requested 5x5 wooden inserts (Holzeinlagen) are not available.
Vienna 1., Kai 47, December 12, 1942
With kind regards,
Photo-Union Gebrüder Lorenz
Record Information
Title: Photo-Union Lorenz Postcard, Germany 1942
Category: Photographic Equipment History / Wartime Commerce
Subcategory: Cinema Technology / Commercial Correspondence
Country: Austria (Greater Germany) → Germany (Destination)
🗺️ Show Route
City: Vienna → Linz
Date of use: 12 December 1942 (based on letter date)
Company: Photo-Union Gebrüder Lorenz, Wien 1., Franz Josef Kai 47
Recipient: F. J. Weidinger Photohaus, Linz a. D., Schmidtstraße 2
Object Type: Commercial postcard / business correspondence / repair service communication
Product Featured: 16 mm film projector
Postal Features: Propaganda cancellation: "Mit dem Führer zum Sieg!"
Business Note: Repair completion notice for stand, unavailable 5x5 wooden inserts
Language: German
Material: Printed card stock
Dimensions: Standard postcard format
Collection Theme: Austrian photographic trade, WWII commercial networks, cinema technology history, propaganda in daily commerce
Archival Significance: This 1942 postcard documents wartime operations of a Viennese photographic equipment supplier and its relationship with a Linz photohouse. The 16 mm film projector illustration reflects cinema technology of the period (Siemens, Lytax Klangton, EKA). The repair notice provides insight into equipment maintenance challenges during WWII. The Nazi propaganda cancellation "Mit dem Führer zum Sieg!" starkly illustrates how ideology permeated routine commerce. A primary source for understanding Austrian photographic trade under the Greater German Reich and wartime supply networks.
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.
For academic reference, please refer to How to Cite This Archive.
For research context, see the Research Methodology.
For academic reference, please refer to How to Cite This Archive.
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