Date of use : 1903 Switzerland

Photoceramic Trade Correspondence from Early 1900s

This postcard documents a commercial correspondence between two companies operating within the European photographic industry in the early 20th century. The term "Photokeramische" on the card refers to the technique, widely used from the late 19th to the early 20th century, in which photographic images were chemically transferred onto ceramic surfaces. In this process, the image produced from a photographic negative was prepared to bond with ceramic pigments and then fired at high temperatures to create a permanent surface.

This technique was particularly common in the production of decorative porcelain items, commemorative and souvenir objects, as well as ceramic advertising plaques. Therefore, Photokeramische Anstalt Würzburg may be considered a commercial workshop or establishment specializing in photo-ceramic production.

This postcard also reflects two fundamental aspects of early 20th-century photographic history. Firstly, photography was no longer confined to paper prints but had become a technology that could be applied to durable and decorative surfaces. Secondly, photographic technology had expanded beyond artistic and portrait use and was becoming an integral part of industrial production processes. On the reverse side of the card, the German text reads: "I am sending the requested price lists and general terms."

Record Information

Title: Photoceramic Trade Correspondence from Early 1900s

Category: Industrial Photography / Commercial History

Subcategory: Photoceramics / Business Correspondence

Country: Switzerland (Origin) / Germany (Destination)

City: → Würzburg

Date: 1903

Recipient Company: Photokeramische Anstalt Würzburg (specializing in photo-ceramic production)

Object Type: Commercial postcard / business correspondence

Postal Administration: Swiss postal service / German Reichspost

Postal Route: Switzerland → Würzburg, Germany

Language: German

Material: Printed card stock with handwritten message

Dimensions: Standard postcard format

Collection Theme: Industrial applications of photography, photo-ceramic techniques, European business networks

Archival Significance: This postcard documents the commercial correspondence related to photo-ceramic technology in the early 20th century. It illustrates how photography had expanded beyond paper prints to become an industrial process applied to durable surfaces like ceramics. The handwritten message requesting price lists and terms reflects the routine business operations that supported specialized photographic industries. The item is a valuable primary source for understanding the intersection of photography with industrial production and decorative arts.

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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