Date of use : 1917, Ottoman Empire
Postcard to Vereinigte Photographische Industrien
This postcard is a censored commercial correspondence sent from the Ottoman Empire to the Vereinigte Photographische Industrien G.m.b.H. (Th. Langer – C. F. Hrdlička – R. A. Goldmann) located in the Austro-Hungarian Empire during World War I. It reflects the professional contact between a merchant—likely of Austrian or German origin—living in Istanbul and the photographic industry in Vienna.
In the early 20th century, Vienna was one of Central Europe's most active centers for photographic production and trade. Numerous small and medium-sized factories, trading houses, and camera or lens manufacturers operated in the city. While they often competed with one another, mergers also occurred as companies sought to expand. Vereinigte Photographische Industrien G.m.b.H. emerged as a significant example of such consolidation, bringing together the operations of Langer, F. Hrdlička, and later R. A. Goldmann. The resulting company produced photographic papers and plates and also distributed various photographic devices and accessories.
Formation and Mergers:
Ferdinand Hrdlička: An important figure in Vienna's photographic materials industry during the 1890s and early 1900s. He specialized in the production of photographic paper, celluloid materials, and dry plates, operating his own factory.
Langer & Comp.: Another Vienna-based supplier and manufacturer of photographic goods, especially dry plates. Around 1913, Langer & Comp. merged with Hrdlička's enterprise to form "Vereinigte photographische Industrien Langer & Comp. – F. Hrdlička."
R. A. Goldmann and the Creation of Herlango: Between 1915 and 1917, Rudolf Anton Goldmann—known for manufacturing photographic cameras—joined the group. From the combination of the three partners' names (Hrdlička + Langer + Goldmann), the brand Herlango was created. Herlango went on to become one of Vienna's best-known photographic companies throughout the 20th century.
Translation of the Reverse Side of the Card:
To the firm Vereinigte Photographische Industrien
(Th. Langer & Cie, F. Hrdlička, R. A. Goldmann)
(Th. Langer & Cie, F. Hrdlička, R. A. Goldmann)
I have learned your business address from the Neues Wiener Journal newspaper.
I kindly request that you send me your latest price lists for photographic materials and plates (glass negatives), free of charge.
I kindly request that you send me your latest price lists for photographic materials and plates (glass negatives), free of charge.
Respectfully,
Ulrich M. Rosenzweig
Constantinople – Pera
Büyük Hendek No. 93, Apartment 3
Ulrich M. Rosenzweig
Constantinople – Pera
Büyük Hendek No. 93, Apartment 3
Note: The phrase "Preislisten über photographische Artikeln + Platten" refers to price lists for photographic materials and glass plates.
Record Information
Title: Postcard to Vereinigte Photographische Industrien
Category: Photographic Industry History / Wartime Postal History
Subcategory: Commercial Correspondence / Censored Mail
Country: Ottoman Empire (Origin) → Austro-Hungarian Empire (Destination)
🗺️ Show Route
City: Constantinople (Pera) → Vienna
Date: circa 1917 (World War I)
Sender: Ulrich M. Rosenzweig, Constantinople – Pera (Büyük Hendek No. 93, Apartment 3)
Recipient: Vereinigte Photographische Industrien G.m.b.H. (Th. Langer, F. Hrdlička, R. A. Goldmann), Vienna
Brand: Herlango (formed from Hrdlička + Langer + Goldmann)
Key Figures: Ferdinand Hrdlička, Rudolf Anton Goldmann
Object Type: Censored commercial postcard / business inquiry
Postal Route 🚂: Constantinople (Pera), Ottoman Empire → Vienna, Austro-Hungarian Empire (1917 Orient Railway Route)
Estimated Travel Time: Approximately 3-5 days (by rail via Balkan countries)
Postal Features: Ottoman postmarks, violet censor handstamps (wartime censorship between allied empires)
Language: German
Material: Printed card stock with handwritten message
Dimensions: Standard postcard format
Collection Theme: Ottoman-German commercial relations, Viennese photographic industry, wartime correspondence, Herlango history
Archival Significance: This postcard documents the commercial relationship between a merchant in Constantinople and a major Viennese photographic conglomerate during World War I. The request for price lists of photographic materials and glass plates illustrates the ongoing demand for photographic supplies even under wartime conditions. The censorship markings provide evidence of the regulated communication between allied empires. The card also offers insight into the formation of Herlango, one of Vienna's most prominent photographic companies, through the merger of Hrdlička, Langer, and Goldmann.
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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