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:
✉️ LETTER CONTENT ✉️
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)
🗺️ Show Route
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!"
Stereoscopic Devices: Viewer 2186 (500 lens pairs), Viewer 4837 (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 captures the German photographic industry on the eve of WWI. It promotes the "Nova" foldable pocket camera while verso contains a commercial letter regarding stereoscopic viewers (models 2186 and 4837 with specific lens quantities). Dated 22 June 1914—just six days before the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand—it represents the last days of routine commercial exchange before the outbreak of war. A rare primary source for camera marketing, stereoscopic technology, and pre-WWI German photographic manufacturing 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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