Date of use : 1912 Germany

Balda-Werk Envelope, German Photographic Equipment 1909

The company featured in this envelope is Balda-Werk, founded in 1908 by Max Baldeweg. Initially, the company specialized in the production of photographic accessories, but over time it became known for manufacturing folding cameras and various photographic equipment. In particular, it gained attention with the release of the "Baldina" model in 1935 and the "Super Baldina" in 1936.

After the Second World War, in 1946, the company was nationalized and renamed "VEB Belca-Werk". In 1948, Max Baldeweg founded a new company in the town of Bünde in West Germany, named "Balda Kamera-Werk", which began producing 35mm and medium format film cameras. Some of the models from this new company were also sold under the "Hapo" brand.

Now, let us examine the letterhead envelope in question. On the left side, the company's name and production field are prominently displayed:

"Fabrik photograph. Artikel"

This phrase translates as "Factory for Photographic Products."

Just below this, the inscription "Intern. Photogr. Ausstellung Dresden 1909" indicates that the company participated in the 1909 International Photographic Exhibition in Dresden, a prestigious event of the time, where it likely showcased the quality and innovation of its products.

Two circular seals/logos are visible on the envelope:

• The exhibition stamp with the inscription: "Internat. Photographische Ausstellung Dresden 1909"

• The Imperial German Eagle (Reichsadler) emblem

On the left side of the envelope, the company lists several of its products along with illustrations. These can be categorized into four main groups:

a. Satiniermaschinen / Drahauslöser

Satiniermaschine: Machines used to matte the surface of photographic plates.

Drahauslöser: Remote (cable) shutter releases, commonly used with tripods.

b. Vignetier-Apparate

Devices used to darken the edges of photographs, creating a vignette effect.

c. Doppel-Anastigmate / Jalousie-Verschlüsse

Doppel-Anastigmate: Double anastigmat lens systems that offer high optical correction.

Jalousie-Verschlüsse: Shutter mechanisms with a blind-style (slatted) design used to control exposure times.

d. Metallkassetten, Gelbscheiben, Rollenquetscher

Printed vertically on the side of the envelope:

Metallkassetten: Metal film cassettes

Gelbscheiben: Yellow filter disks, used to increase contrast

Rollenquetscher: Film rollers used during the development process

The recipient of the envelope is the well-known optics manufacturer Victor Avril.

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