Date of use : 1922 Germany

Paul Wilpert PMW: Munich Photo Supplier in the 1920s

Although not much is known about the full history of this company, the information on the postcard indicates that it was active in Munich in the early 1920s. The letters "PMW," prominently displayed in the card's design, form part of the company's logo. This monogram likely represents the initials Paul (Wilpert) – München / Wilhelm (or Wilpert). Therefore, "PMW" appears to symbolize the name of Paul Wilpert and the Munich location of the firm.

The term "Photogroßhandlung" printed on the card confirms that the company operated as a wholesale supplier of photographic materials for professional photographers. The addressee of the postcard is the V. Knollmüller photographic studio in Kempten. Its founder, Victor (Viktor) Knollmüller (1889–1971), was a fine-art photographer known for his pictorialist style. His daughter Viktoria also studied photography and worked alongside him.

Translation of the message on the reverse:

Dear Mr. V. Knollmüller, Kempten

As the factory has finally shipped large quantities of Velotyp paper No. 10 again, I am now able to send the remaining two volumes of your esteemed order immediately.

However, it turns out that these two volumes, made from cardboard-thick paper, already weigh more than 5 kg without packaging and are therefore subject to double postal charges.

To take full advantage of the double-rate postage, one additional volume of V.10 or V.29, or two volumes of V.1, may be added to the package. Please inform me what else may be sent.

Furthermore, a definite price increase for all products is expected as of April 1st.

Kind regards,
Paul Wilpert

Record Information

Title: Paul Wilpert PMW: Munich Photo Supplier in the 1920s

Category: Photographic Trade History / Commercial Correspondence

Subcategory: Wholesale Supply / Professional Photography

Country: Germany

City: Munich → Kempten

Date: c. 1922 (early 1920s, with reference to April 1st price increase)

Company: Paul Wilpert – PMW (Photogroßhandlung), Munich

Recipient: V. Knollmüller Photographic Studio, Kempten

Key Figure: Victor (Viktor) Knollmüller (1889–1971), fine-art photographer

Product: Velotyp paper No. 10, 29, and 1

Object Type: Commercial postcard / business correspondence

Postal Administration: German Reichspost

Postal Route: Munich → Kempten

Language: German

Material: Printed card stock

Dimensions: Standard postcard format

Collection Theme: German photographic wholesale trade, professional studio supplies, postal rate optimization, 1920s commercial practices

Archival Significance: This postcard documents the commercial relationship between a Munich-based photographic wholesale supplier and a prominent professional photography studio in Kempten. The detailed message about Velotyp paper shipments, postal rate calculations, and an anticipated price increase provides rare insight into the practical business operations of the photographic industry in early 1920s Germany. The correspondence illustrates how wholesale suppliers communicated with professional clients, managed inventory challenges, and navigated postal regulations to optimize shipping costs. The reference to Victor Knollmüller, a known pictorialist photographer, adds artistic historical value. This item is a valuable primary source for understanding the commercial infrastructure that supported professional photography during the Weimar Republic era.

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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