Date of use : 1914 Germany

Otto Spitzer's Nova Camera Promo Card (1914)

This advertisement and promotional card belongs to the Otto Spitzer company, a manufacturer of photographic equipment, accessories, and cameras based in Berlin, the capital of Germany. The card introduces a model called the "Klapptaschenkamera 'Nova'" (Foldable Pocket Camera "Nova"). This camera, launched in the early 1910s, was a mid-range, portable, and relatively affordable model. The term "Klapptaschenkamera" is used to indicate that the device is foldable and compact enough to be carried in a pocket. Cameras of this type usually featured a bellows mechanism and, thanks to their compact design, were well-suited for field use.

The Nova model used an "Aplanat" lens, a dual-element optical system developed to correct lens aberrations, particularly spherical aberrations. This made it possible to achieve sharper and more accurate images. The language and design of the card reflect the advertising style of the period — technical details are extensively provided, and visual appeal is emphasized.

The camera was offered together with two film cartridges, an instructional booklet, an exposure table, and a carrying case. This comprehensive package made it attractive both for beginners and semi-professional users. A striking slogan written in large capital letters appears on the card: "Ausstattung und Preis schlägt jede Konkurrenz!" ("Its equipment and price surpass all competition!")

On the back of the card, there is a commercial letter addressed to optical device manufacturer Victor Avril. The content of the letter is as follows:

Dear Mr. V. Avril,

Zabern,

As a sample, I am sending you the Stereoscopic Viewer Device 2186, which is used to view paper stereoscopic images in 9×18 cm or 8½×17 cm format. I use 500 pairs of stereoscopic lenses for this device. I am also sending Device 4837, which is suitable for viewing paper and glass stereoscopic images in the 4½×10.7 cm format. This second device uses 100 pairs of lenses.

As you know, the lenses must have the same focal length as the devices used to capture the images. It is important that the delivery takes place as soon as possible. Therefore, I kindly ask you to urgently send me your best offer. Only serious offers achieve their purpose and result in regular orders.

For now, I ask you to keep both devices in your possession and kindly request your response as soon as possible.

Berlin W.30 – June 22, 1914

Gleidtstraße 47

Sincerely,

Otto Spitzer

One of the most striking features of this card is its postmark date. It is dated June 22, 1914 — just six days before the outbreak of World War I (June 28, 1914: the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand).

Record Information

Title: Otto Spitzer's Nova Camera Promo Card (1914)

Category: Photographic Advertising History / Commercial Correspondence

Subcategory: Camera Manufacturing / Pre-WWI Business Networks

Country: Germany (Origin) / Alsace (Destination)

City: Berlin → Zabern (Saverne), Alsace

Date of use: 22 June 1914 (six days before the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand)

Company: Otto Spitzer, Berlin W.30, Gleidtstraße 47 (Fabrik moderner photographischer Apparate und Bedarfsartikel)

Product Featured: Klapptaschenkamera "Nova" (Foldable Pocket Camera "Nova")

Camera Specifications: Aplanat double-lens, black enameled Magnallium stand, 2 film cartridges, case, exposure table, instructional booklet

Slogan: "Ausstattung und Preis schlägt jede Konkurrenz!" (Its equipment and price surpass all competition!)

Stereoscopic Devices: Viewer 2186 (for 9×18 cm or 8½×17 cm paper images, using 500 lens pairs), Viewer 4837 (for 4½×10.7 cm paper and glass images, using 100 lens pairs)

Recipient: Victor Avril, Optische Anstalt, Zabern/Elsass

Object Type: Advertising postcard / commercial correspondence

Postal Administration: German Reichspost

Postal Route: Berlin → Zabern, Alsace

Language: German

Material: Printed card stock with typed/handwritten additions

Dimensions: Standard postcard format

Collection Theme: German camera manufacturing, pre-WWI commercial networks, stereoscopic photography, Berlin photographic industry

Archival Significance: This 1914 promotional card from Otto Spitzer is a remarkable document capturing the German photographic industry at the very eve of World War I. The double-sided card serves dual purposes: recto promotes the "Nova" foldable pocket camera with competitive pricing and comprehensive equipment, while verso contains a detailed commercial letter to optics manufacturer Victor Avril regarding stereoscopic viewers. The technical specifications for two different viewer models (2186 and 4837) and the specific quantities of lens pairs required (500 and 100) provide rare insight into the specialized supply chains of stereoscopic photography. The date—22 June 1914, just six days before the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand—places this correspondence in a poignant historical moment, representing the last days of routine commercial exchange before the outbreak of war. This item is an invaluable primary source for understanding camera marketing, stereoscopic technology, and the interconnectedness of German photographic manufacturers in the pre-WWI period.

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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