A. Goldmann: Early Camera Maker in Vienna

Date of use : 1902, Austria

R.A. Goldmann: Early Camera Maker in Vienna

In 1854, Anton Goldmann, the owner of a fine furniture cabinet workshop, met Ludwig Angerer, one of the leading photographers of the time. Angerer, known as the court photographer of Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I, was also recognized as the founder of the first photographic studio in Vienna. Under Angerer's guidance, Anton Goldmann developed an interest in photography, which quickly evolved into a professional pursuit, eventually establishing him as a significant manufacturer in the field.

During the mid-19th century, a time when photography was rapidly spreading, Anton Goldmann founded the company A. Goldmann Fabrik Photographischer Apparate in 1858. The firm began operating at 31 Theresianumgasse in Vienna, but due to increasing demand, it moved in 1863 to a new headquarters at 14 Victorgasse. In addition to producing high-quality cameras, the company also dealt with various photographic materials and the distribution of products from other manufacturers. As a result, it earned a respected position within the photographic community by the end of the 19th century.

In 1891, Anton Goldmann's son, R.A. Goldmann, took over the company, placing greater emphasis on technological advancements. Under his leadership, the firm made significant progress in the production of precision photographic equipment. For example, the first camera capable of imaging the back of the eye, developed by Dr. Dimmers, was manufactured by this company. The company also produced technical equipment such as photoprospectographs and balloon apparatuses for Austria's aerial mapping pioneer, Captain Theodor Scheimpflug. Devices made to special order for Petzal and other manufacturers further demonstrated Goldmann's technical capabilities.

Following Anton Goldmann's death on May 30, 1904, the company continued its operations under the broader vision of R.A. Goldmann. In 1917, the firm merged with Hrdliczka, one of Austria's leading suppliers of photographic materials, and also partnered with Langer, a manufacturer of photographic papers and chemicals. This merger led to the establishment of a new company under the name "Herlango," derived from the syllables of the founders' names. Under the Herlango brand, not only were Goldmann cameras sold, but also products from other manufacturers. Many Herlango patents are still held by the Goldmann family today.

In this historical context, a postcard sent in 1902 from Vienna to Francisco Guerrero, a student studying engineering in Guadalajara, Spain, serves as a highly valuable document in terms of the period's technical communication strategies. The sender was none other than the R.A. Goldmann firm. The front of the card bears the inscription "R.A. GOLDMANN Fabrik photographischer Apparate, Wien, IV/2 Victorgasse 14," clearly indicating the company's address at the time.

The details on the card reveal that the firm was not just a local manufacturer but also an internationally active entity seeking direct contact with technical circles. Addressing the recipient as "Alumno de Ingenieros" (Engineering Student) suggests that the correspondence aimed at product promotion or technical collaboration. The firm appears to have been targeting potential technical experts or future engineers, intending both to promote its products and engage in the exchange of technical knowledge.

The card features two 5-Heller Austro-Hungarian stamps bearing the portrait of Emperor Franz Joseph, both postmarked at Vienna's post office number "533." In this respect, the postcard can be considered not only a personal communication tool but also a part of international commercial relations and corporate promotional activities.

On the back of the postcard, a handwritten message in German is present. Although parts of the text are difficult to decipher, it generally contains the following statements:

✉️ PROMOTIONAL MESSAGE ✉️

"Dear Francisco Guerrero, Guadalajara. Below, I am sending you our new price list (catalog). In this catalog, we particularly present our new folding pocket cameras made of aluminum; these products are in high demand. Also featured are our devices capable of direct exposure. These aluminum pocket cameras are available in all sizes. We hope to receive an order from you soon."

These statements clearly show that R.A. Goldmann was actively pursuing not only sales but also knowledge sharing and technical promotion.

This 1902 postcard is not only a philatelic item but also a significant document evidencing the international promotional efforts of a European firm engaged in technical production in the post-Industrial Revolution era. The card holds multi-layered importance in terms of postal history, photographic technology, and industrial communication. Through such correspondences, firms like R.A. Goldmann not only promoted their products but also sought direct contact with individuals capable of contributing to scientific and technical advancements—thus playing a pioneering role in early technological transfer.

Record Information

Title: R.A. Goldmann: Early Camera Maker in Vienna

Category: Photographic Manufacturing History / Commercial Correspondence

Subcategory: Austrian Camera Industry / International Trade

Country: Austria (Origin) → Spain (Destination) 🗺️ Show Route

City: Vienna → Guadalajara, Spain

Date of use: 1902 (based on postmark)

Company: R.A. Goldmann Fabrik Photographischer Apparate, Wien IV/2 Victorgasse 14

Founder: Anton Goldmann (founded 1858, guided by court photographer Ludwig Angerer)

Successor: R.A. Goldmann (son, took over 1891)

Later Merger: Herlango (1917, with Hrdliczka and Langer)

Special Products: First retina camera (Dr. Dimmers), photoprospectographs, balloon apparatus for Theodor Scheimpflug

Featured Product: Aluminum folding pocket cameras (all sizes, direct exposure capability)

Recipient: Francisco Guerrero, Engineering Student, Guadalajara, Spain

Object Type: Commercial postcard / promotional correspondence

Postal Features: Two 5-Heller stamps with Emperor Franz Joseph portrait, Vienna postmark "533"

Language: German

Material: Printed card stock with handwritten message

Dimensions: Standard postcard format

Collection Theme: Austro-Hungarian photographic industry, technical education networks, international camera trade, Herlango history

Archival Significance: This 1902 postcard documents R.A. Goldmann's international marketing strategies targeting technical professionals. Founded in 1858 by Anton Goldmann under court photographer Ludwig Angerer, the company produced precision equipment including the first retina camera. The card promotes aluminum folding pocket cameras to an engineering student in Spain, illustrating early technical outreach. Goldmann's 1917 merger into Herlango represents a key consolidation in Austrian photographic industry. A primary source for understanding Austro-Hungarian camera manufacturing and European technical communication networks.

🚂 Postal Route: Vienna → Guadalajara (1902 European Railway Route)

📍 Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹 → 🚂 Salzburg 🇦🇹 → 🚂 Munich 🇩🇪 → 🚂 Zurich 🇨🇭 → 🚂 Lyon 🇫🇷 → 🚂 Barcelona 🇪🇸 → 📍 Guadalajara, Spain 🇪🇸

📮 R.A. Goldmann (Vienna, Fabrik photographischer Apparate) → 🚂 European railway mail → 📬 Francisco Guerrero (Guadalajara, engineering student)
Aluminum folding pocket camera promotion | Two 5-Heller stamps (Emperor Franz Joseph) | Vienna postmark "533" | Estimated travel time: 3-5 days (1902)

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) – https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright

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.

Date of use : 1906, Austria

Jules Richard, Inventor of Verascope

This postcard represents an interesting example of commercial communication related to photographic technology in Europe during the early twentieth century. The printed heading "Korrespondenz-Karte" on the front indicates that the item was a standard postal card issued by the postal administration of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The postage stamps affixed to the card have a denomination of five heller, a monetary unit that formed part of the Austro-Hungarian currency system during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

The postal cancellation indicates that the card was mailed from Klumendorf am Wörthersee, a settlement located in the Carinthian region of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, near Lake Wörthersee. The date visible on the postmark is 5 July 1906. This period corresponds to the final decades of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and coincides with a time when photographic technology was rapidly spreading throughout Europe.

The postcard was addressed to Jules Richard in Paris, with the address given as 25 Rue Mélingue. Jules Richard was a significant figure in the French photographic industry during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The company founded by Jules Richard (1848–1930) became widely known for the production of stereoscopic photographic equipment. One of the firm's most notable products was the Verascope camera, designed to produce stereoscopic images that created the illusion of three-dimensional depth. These cameras gained considerable popularity among amateur photographers and played an important role in the development of stereoscopic photography across Europe.

The handwritten message on the reverse side of the card is written in French and indicates that the sender is requesting a catalogue from the Jules Richard company. The writer explains that he has been working with a varnished copy process for some time and expresses interest in the company's new products. For this reason he politely asks that the large catalogue for the year 1906 be sent to him. Requests of this kind were common in the early photographic trade. Photographic cameras and optical devices were frequently ordered through mail correspondence, and manufacturers distributed printed catalogues to present their product ranges and technical specifications.

A stamp bearing the word "Photographie" is also visible on the card. This marking may indicate that the sender was professionally or semi-professionally involved in photography. It may also have served as a practical indication that the correspondence related specifically to photographic equipment or materials.

The signature at the bottom of the card reads Dr. Rodolphe Loethar. The sender's location is noted as Klumendorf am Wörthersee, confirming the Austrian origin of the correspondence.

In the broader economic context of the period, the photographic industry was expanding rapidly across Europe. Advances in camera design and improvements in photographic materials made photography increasingly accessible to amateur users. Major urban centers such as Paris, Berlin, Vienna, and London became important hubs for the manufacture and distribution of photographic equipment. Companies such as Jules Richard marketed their products internationally through illustrated catalogues and postal communication networks.

From a philatelic perspective, the postcard represents a typical example of Austro-Hungarian postal stationery. The two five heller stamps likely correspond to the postal rate required for international correspondence. The marking "Reçu – 6 Juil. 1906" visible on the card probably represents a receipt stamp applied upon arrival in Paris, confirming the delivery of the correspondence.

📜✍️ REVERSE SIDE - HANDWRITTEN MESSAGE (TRANSCRIPTION & TRANSLATION) French → English

📝 Original French text (handwritten):

"Klumpendorf am Wörthersee

Reçu (Autriche)
6 JUIL. 1906

Le travail depuis longtemps avec un vernis copie et dont les nouveautés de votre usine m'intéressent beaucoup.

Veuillez me faire envoyer le catalogue de vos appareils pour 1906.

Agréez, Monsieur, l'assurance de mes meilleurs sentiments.
Dr. Rodolphe Loethar"

📖 English translation:

"Klumpendorf am Wörthersee

Received (Austria)

6 July 1906

I have long been working with varnished copy processes, and the innovations from your factory are of great interest to me.

Please send me the catalogue of your equipment for 1906.

Yours sincerely, with my best regards,

Dr. Rodolphe Loethar"

📷 Context: This postcard documents a catalogue request from Dr. Rodolphe Loethar in Austria to Jules Richard, the French inventor of the Verascope stereoscopic camera. The mention of "varnished copy processes" suggests the sender was involved in technical photographic applications.

Record Information

Title: Jules Richard Company Business Postcard (Klumendorf to Paris)

Category: Photographic Industry History / International Commercial Correspondence

Subcategory: Austro-Hungarian Postal History / Stereoscopic Photography

Country: Austria-Hungary (Sender: Klumendorf) → France (Recipient: Paris) 🗺️ Show Route

City: Klumendorf am Wörthersee, Carinthia (Sender) → Paris, France (Recipient: Jules Richard)

Date of use: 5 July 1906 (postmark) / 6 July 1906 (receipt)

Sender: Dr. Rodolphe Loethar, Klumendorf am Wörthersee, Austria

Company (Recipient): Jules Richard, 25 Rue Mélingue, Paris, France. A French photographic equipment manufacturer founded by Jules Richard (1848–1930), known for producing stereoscopic cameras including the Verascope, as well as viewing devices and photographic accessories.

Object Type: Postal stationery postcard (Austro-Hungarian Korrespondenz-Karte)

Postal Route 🚂📮 (Estimated Route): Klumendorf am Wörthersee, Austria → Paris, France (July 1906)

Estimated Travel Time: Approximately 3-5 days (railway via Vienna, Munich, Strasbourg)

Postal Features: Austro-Hungarian 5-heller postage stamps; Klumendorf am Wörthersee postal cancellation (5 July 1906); "Reçu – 6 Juil. 1906" Paris arrival stamp.

Language: French

Material: Paper (postcard stock)

Dimensions: Standard postcard format

Collection Theme: Jules Richard, Verascope, stereoscopic cameras, Austro-Hungarian postal stationery, Carinthia postal history, catalogue distribution, French photographic manufacturing, 1900s postal history, Austria-France trade.

Archival Significance: This 1906 Austro-Hungarian postal stationery postcard documents a request for a catalogue from the French stereoscopic camera manufacturer Jules Richard (inventor of the Verascope), illustrating the international distribution of photographic equipment catalogues and the commercial networks connecting amateur photographers in Austria-Hungary with French photographic manufacturers.

🚂📮 Postal Route: Klumendorf → Paris (July 1906) (Estimated Route)

🎓 Dr. Rodolphe Loethar (Klumendorf am Wörthersee) 🇦🇹 → 🚂 Railway → 🇦🇹 Vienna → 🇩🇪 Munich → 🇫🇷 Strasbourg → 🇫🇷 Paris (Jules Richard) 🇫🇷

📮 Catalogue request → 🚂 Austro-German-French railway network → 📬 Jules Richard, 25 Rue Mélingue, Paris
Verascope stereoscopic cameras | Varnished copy processes | 1906 catalogue | Estimated travel time: 3-5 days

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) – https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright

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.

Date of use : 1913, Austria

Langer & Comp Hrdliczka – Photo Paper and Chemical Maker

This envelope represents a commercial postal document illustrating the trade networks of the photographic industry in Central Europe during the early twentieth century. The printed heading on the envelope reads "Vereinigte photographische Industrien Langen & Comp., F. Hrdličzka Gesellschaft m.b.H.", indicating that the sender was a company engaged in the production or distribution of photographic equipment and materials. The address provided, "Wien, III. Hauptstraße 95," places the firm in the third district of Vienna. This area was known during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as an important zone for industrial and commercial enterprises.

The phrase "Vereinigte photographische Industrien" suggests that the company may have been formed through the combination of several photographic manufacturers or commercial ventures. Such mergers were common during the rapid expansion of photographic technology, as companies sought to strengthen their competitive position within the European market. The designation "Gesellschaft m.b.H." refers to a limited liability corporate structure, indicating that the company operated within a modern legal and commercial framework.

A second name appearing in the company title, F. Hrdličzka, was likely one of the partners or directors involved in the enterprise. The Czech origin of the surname reflects the multinational commercial environment of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. During this period, cities such as Vienna, Prague, and Brno were closely interconnected through trade in photographic equipment and optical technology. The presence of business partners from different cultural backgrounds was therefore typical within the economic networks of the empire.

Record Information

Title: Langer & Comp. / F. Hrdliczka Business Envelope (Vienna)

Category: Photographic Industry History / Commercial Correspondence

Subcategory: Austro-Hungarian Photographic Manufacturers / Corporate Networks

Country: Austria-Hungary (Sender: Vienna) → Austria-Hungary (Recipient)

City: Vienna (Sender: Vereinigte photographische Industrien) → [Domestic Recipient]

Date of use: 1913

Company (Sender): Vereinigte photographische Industrien Langer & Comp., F. Hrdliczka Gesellschaft m.b.H., Wien III, Hauptstraße 95, Vienna, Austria-Hungary. A manufacturer or distributor of photographic equipment and materials, formed through the consolidation of several photographic enterprises.

Object Type: Commercial envelope (business correspondence)

Postal Features: Austrian postage stamps; Vienna postal cancellation (1913).

Language: German

Material: Paper envelope

Dimensions: Standard commercial envelope format

Collection Theme: Vereinigte photographische Industrien, Langer & Comp., F. Hrdliczka, Vienna photographic trade, Austro-Hungarian industrial consolidation, photographic materials manufacturing, Central European trade networks, 1910s Austrian postal history.

Archival Significance: This 1913 envelope documents a Viennese photographic materials manufacturer (Vereinigte photographische Industrien Langer & Comp. / F. Hrdliczka), illustrating the corporate consolidation and industrial development of the photographic supply trade in the Austro-Hungarian Empire prior to World War I.

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.

Date of use : 1931, Austria

Letter to Franz Weidinger Photographic Studio

This postcard represents a small but meaningful example of professional communication within Austria. The address section identifies the recipient as Photo-Atelier Franz Weidinger, Linz an der Donau, Promenade 37 (bei Mader). This clearly indicates that the card was directed to a photographic studio operating in the city of Linz. As one of the principal administrative and commercial centers of Upper Austria, Linz supported a considerable number of photographic studios from the late nineteenth century onward. Such studios provided portrait photography, identification photographs, and various printing services, contributing significantly to the visual culture of the region.

The small printed image on the card shows a panoramic view labeled "Baden bei Wien – Lower Austria." Baden near Vienna is historically known as a spa town and was frequently depicted on picture postcards during the early decades of the twentieth century. Scenic postcards of this type circulated widely across Central Europe and served both as tourist imagery and as practical communication tools. The Austrian stamp and cancellation mark on the upper right confirm that the item was processed through the Austrian postal system as an official postcard. The printed credit line at the bottom indicates that the card itself was produced by a postcard publisher based in Vienna.

The handwritten message on the reverse side carries the date 4 December 1931, and the heading indicates Vienna as the place of writing. Although the cursive script is not entirely legible, the general content appears to concern photographic work or the handling of photographs that had been ordered or produced. References in the text suggest that the correspondence relates to photographic prints or enlargements and possibly discusses their preparation or delivery. Such exchanges were common in the everyday business practices of photographic studios.

During the early 1930s photographic studios in Austria served not only as spaces for artistic portraiture but also as providers of practical services. Identification photographs required for documents, employment cards, and administrative records were routinely produced in these studios. Clients also contacted studios by mail to request additional prints, enlargements, or photographs in specific sizes.

From the perspective of postal history, the card represents a typical example of intercity communication within Austria. The Austrian postal system during this period was efficient and widely used for everyday correspondence. The postcard's typographic layout, decorative border patterns, and divided message format reflect the standard design conventions of Central European postcards of the time.

For collectors this document belongs to the category of photographic commercial ephemera, illustrating communication between photographic studios and their clientele. It also holds philatelic interest as an example of Austrian postcard design and postal cancellation practices. The printed address of the photographic studio provides useful archival information about the distribution and operation of local photographic businesses.

Record Information

Title: Franz Weidinger Photographic Studio Customer Postcard (Vienna to Linz)

Category: Photographic Studios / Commercial Correspondence

Subcategory: Austrian Portrait Studios / Client Communication

Country: Austria (Sender: Vienna) → Austria (Recipient: Linz)

City: Vienna (Sender) → Linz, Upper Austria (Recipient: Franz Weidinger)

Date of use: 4 December 1931

Company (Recipient): Franz Weidinger, Photo-Atelier, Promenade 37 (bei Mader), Linz an der Donau, Austria. A photographic studio providing portrait photography, identification photographs, and printing services.

Object Type: Commercial postcard (customer correspondence with scenic illustration)

Postal Features: Austrian postage stamp; Austrian postal cancellation (4 December 1931).

Language: German

Material: Paper (postcard stock)

Dimensions: Standard postcard format

Collection Theme: Franz Weidinger, Linz photography, Upper Austrian studios, Baden bei Wien, scenic postcards, customer correspondence, photographic prints, identification photographs, 1930s Austrian postal history, client-studio communication.

Archival Significance: This 1931 customer postcard documents correspondence with Franz Weidinger's photographic studio in Linz, illustrating the everyday communication between Austrian photographers and their clients regarding photographic prints and services during the interwar 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.
For academic reference, please refer to How to Cite This Archive.

Date of use : 1931, Austria

Letter to Franz Weidinger Photographic Studio

This postcard represents a commercial request related to photographic services exchanged between two towns in Upper Austria. The addressee printed on the front identifies Photoatelier Franz Weidinger, located at Promenadegasse 17 in Linz an der Donau. Linz developed into one of the principal commercial centers of Upper Austria, and by the late nineteenth century the city supported numerous photographic studios, optical shops, and retailers supplying photographic materials. The establishment operated by Franz Weidinger was therefore likely a portrait studio providing services such as studio portraits, identification photographs, and photographic prints.

A small scenic image printed on the postcard depicts the ruins of Aggstein in Lower Austria, a motif commonly used on postcards produced in the region. Cards combining landscape imagery with postal correspondence were widely circulated in Central Europe and served both touristic and practical communication purposes. The Austrian stamp and cancellation mark visible on the card confirm that it was processed through the Austrian postal system, reflecting the standard design elements used for official postcards during the period.

The message on the reverse side is dated Steyr, 8 March 1931. Steyr, situated not far from Linz, was historically known as a center of trade and industrial activity. The content of the letter indicates that the sender had previously received photographs that unfortunately did not fully meet his expectations. The writer therefore requests the preparation of a photograph in a specific format suitable for an "Eisenbahnlegitimation," meaning a railway identification document.

Railway companies across Europe introduced identification documents and employee passes as rail transport systems expanded. These official papers often required a photographic portrait of the holder. As a result, photographic studios played an important role not only in producing artistic portraits but also in supplying standardized identification photographs for institutional and administrative purposes.

The message further asks that the photograph be sent together with a statement of the associated costs. Such requests illustrate the everyday communication that took place between photographic studios and their customers. Ordering photographic services by post was a common practice, particularly for clients living in smaller towns without easy access to large urban studios.

From a collecting perspective this postcard is valuable as a piece of commercial ephemera connected with photographic practice. It also represents an example of domestic postal communication within Austria and provides documentary evidence of how photographic studios interacted with clients. The printed studio address contributes additional archival value by identifying a specific photographic enterprise active during the period.

Record Information

Title: Franz Weidinger Photographic Studio Customer Postcard (Steyr to Linz)

Category: Photographic Studios / Commercial Correspondence

Subcategory: Austrian Portrait Studios / Identification Photography

Country: Austria (Sender: Steyr) → Austria (Recipient: Linz)

City: Steyr, Upper Austria (Sender) → Linz, Upper Austria (Recipient: Franz Weidinger)

Date of use: 8 March 1931

Company (Recipient): Franz Weidinger, Photoatelier, Promenadegasse 17, Linz an der Donau, Austria. A portrait studio providing studio portraits, identification photographs, and photographic prints.

Object Type: Commercial postcard (customer correspondence)

Postal Features: Austrian postage stamp; Austrian postal cancellation (8 March 1931).

Language: German

Material: Paper (postcard stock)

Dimensions: Standard postcard format

Collection Theme: Franz Weidinger, Linz photography, Upper Austrian studios, Steyr commerce, Aggstein ruins, Eisenbahnlegitimation, railway identification photos, portrait photography, customer correspondence, institutional photography, 1930s Austrian postal history.

Archival Significance: This 1931 customer postcard documents a request to a Linz photographic studio (Franz Weidinger) for a railway identification photograph (Eisenbahnlegitimation), illustrating the role of photographic studios in producing institutional identification documents and the use of postal correspondence for ordering photographic services in interwar Austria.

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.

Date of use : 1935, Austria

Kühle & Miksche Photographic Dealers

This postcard documents a commercial exchange between a photographic supply business located in Vienna and another photographic enterprise operating in the city of Linz. The printed heading on the front identifies the sender as Kühle & Miksche Photohandlung, with the address Capistrangasse 2, Vienna VI. In German-speaking regions the term Photohandlung referred to retail establishments specializing in photographic equipment and materials. Such shops typically supplied cameras, lenses, photographic plates, films, printing papers, and darkroom chemicals while also providing various technical services related to photographic production.

A small scenic illustration printed on the card depicts Kufstein in Tyrol, a motif commonly used on postcards during this period. Cards of this type frequently combined touristic imagery with practical business communication. The postal cancellation indicates that the item was dispatched from Vienna, confirming its circulation through the Austrian postal network. The postage stamp and cancellation mark represent typical elements of Austrian postal design used on commercial postcards of the period.

The card is addressed to Herrn F. Weidinger, Fotohandlung, Linz. Linz functioned as one of the most important commercial centers in Upper Austria and experienced considerable economic development from the late nineteenth century onward. Photographic businesses in cities such as Linz often combined portrait studio activities with the retail sale of photographic materials. The Weidinger firm was therefore likely engaged in either photographic retail trade, studio work, or both.

The handwritten message on the reverse side is dated 1935. The text contains several numerical references, including the amount 128.52, suggesting that the note relates to a financial calculation or business transaction. Messages of this type were commonly used to confirm payments, provide account information, or communicate details regarding commercial arrangements between photographic supply companies.

Record Information

Title: Kühle & Miksche Business Postcard (Vienna to Linz)

Category: Photographic Industry History / Commercial Correspondence

Subcategory: Austrian Photographic Retailers / Regional Trade Networks

Country: Austria (Sender: Vienna) → Austria (Recipient: Linz)

City: Vienna (Sender: Kühle & Miksche) → Linz, Upper Austria (Recipient: F. Weidinger)

Date of use: 1935

Company (Sender): Kühle & Miksche Photohandlung, Capistrangasse 2, Vienna VI, Austria. A photographic equipment retailer supplying cameras, lenses, photographic plates, films, printing papers, and darkroom chemicals.

Object Type: Commercial postcard (business correspondence with scenic illustration)

Postal Features: Austrian postage stamp; Vienna postal cancellation (1935).

Language: German

Material: Paper (postcard stock)

Dimensions: Standard postcard format

Collection Theme: Kühle & Miksche, Vienna commerce, Capistrangasse, Austrian photographic dealers, F. Weidinger, Linz photography, Upper Austrian trade, Kufstein scenic postcard, commercial correspondence, 1930s Austrian postal history, regional photographic supply networks.

Archival Significance: This 1935 postcard documents commercial correspondence between a Vienna photographic equipment dealer (Kühle & Miksche) and a Linz photographic business (F. Weidinger), illustrating the regional trade networks that supplied photographic materials across Austria during the 1930s.

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.

Date of use : 16 August 1932, Austria

Herlango Photo Company Stationery, Austria (1917)

During the first half of the twentieth century photography developed into a rapidly expanding industrial sector in Europe. Manufacturers of cameras, optical components, and photographic materials relied on international commercial networks in order to distribute their products to a growing market. Within this system manufacturers maintained regular correspondence with distributors, dealers, and retailers located in different cities. The document examined here provides a small but revealing example of such commercial communication between a photographic equipment manufacturer in Austria and a trading partner in Germany.

The sender identified on the card is Herlango – Aktiengesellschaft für photographische Industrie, a company operating in Vienna. The printed address indicates Wien III, Rennweg 52, locating the firm within the third district of the Austrian capital. Herlango was active during the early twentieth century as a manufacturer of photographic equipment. The company produced portable cameras, folding bellows cameras, and related photographic accessories. Vienna had developed into an important center of precision mechanics and optical manufacturing during the late nineteenth century, providing a favorable industrial environment for photographic equipment production.

The front side of the card includes a large illustration of a bellows camera, which serves as a visual advertisement for the company's products. Cameras of this type were widely used during the 1920s and 1930s by both professional photographers and advanced amateur users. Beneath the illustration appears the slogan "Kameras für jeden Zweck", meaning "cameras for every purpose." This phrase emphasizes the company's intention to market a wide range of photographic equipment suitable for different photographic applications.

The recipient of the card is Georg Keilitz, located in the city of Leipzig in Germany. Leipzig had become one of Europe's most important commercial and publishing centers by the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The city was particularly known for its international trade fairs, which attracted manufacturers and distributors from across Europe. As a result, Leipzig hosted numerous dealers and distributors of technical equipment, including photographic materials. It is therefore plausible that Georg Keilitz operated as a photographic equipment dealer or distributor within this commercial environment.

The message printed on the reverse side of the card contains instructions related to a commercial transaction. Dated 16 August 1932, the text refers to a previously issued pro forma invoice and requests that the photographic materials listed in that invoice be dispatched. The document also indicates that a payment of 11 Reichsmark and 20 Pfennig had been transferred to the recipient's postal banking account. Such short business communications were common between manufacturers and distributors and allowed commercial transactions to be processed efficiently.

The postal cancellation confirms that the card was mailed from Vienna on the same date. The early 1930s were marked by economic challenges across Europe due to the global economic crisis. Nevertheless, the photographic industry continued to operate as the popularity of amateur photography maintained demand for cameras and photographic materials.

From a philatelic perspective the card combines several themes of interest. It represents a commercial postcard mailed from Austria and includes advertising graphics associated with the photographic industry. The combination of postal markings and commercial content makes the item relevant both for postal history collections and for collections focused on the history of photographic technology and trade.

📜 Original Message on Reverse Side

Deutsch (Original):

Wien, 16. August 1932
Herrn Georg Keilitz, Leipzig

Wir ersuchen Sie die lt. Ihrer Proforma-Faktura vom 30. v. M. berechneten Photofarben nunmehr zur Absendung zu bringen, da wir den Betrag hiefür von RM 11,20 auf Ihr Postscheck-Konto überwiesen haben.

Hochachtungsvoll
Herlango
Aktiengesellschaft für photographische Industrie
(Unterschrift)

English Translation:

Vienna, August 16, 1932
Mr. Georg Keilitz, Leipzig

We kindly request that the photographic dyes listed in your pro forma invoice dated the 30th of last month now be dispatched, as we have transferred the amount of RM 11.20 to your postal checking account.

Respectfully,
Herlango
Joint-Stock Company for Photographic Industry
(Signature)

Record Information

Title: Herlango Photo Company Commercial Card (Vienna to Leipzig)

Category: Photographic Industry History / Commercial Correspondence

Subcategory: Manufacturer-Dealer Correspondence / European Markets

Country: Austria (Sender: Vienna) → Germany (Recipient: Leipzig) 🗺️ Show Route

City: Vienna (Sender: Herlango, Rennweg 52) → Leipzig (Recipient: Georg Keilitz)

Date of use: 16 August 1932

Company (Sender): Herlango – Aktiengesellschaft für photographische Industrie, Vienna, Austria. A photographic equipment manufacturer active in the early 20th century, producing cameras and accessories.

Company (Recipient): Georg Keilitz, Leipzig, Germany. Likely a photographic equipment dealer or distributor.

Object Type: Commercial correspondence card (printed form with handwritten details)

Postal Route 🚂: Vienna, Austria → Leipzig, Germany (16 August 1932) (Estimated Route)

Estimated Travel Time: Approximately 1-3 days (railway route via Linz, Passau, Nuremberg, Hof)

Postal Features: Austrian postal cancellation (Vienna, 16 August 1932); postcard rate.

Notable Design: Large illustration of a bellows camera with slogan "Kameras für jeden Zweck" (Cameras for every purpose).

Language: German (printed and handwritten)

Material: Paper (card stock)

Dimensions: Standard postcard format

Collection Theme: Herlango, Vienna photography trade, Austrian photographic manufacturers, Rennweg, Leipzig commerce, Georg Keilitz, camera advertising, bellows cameras, 1930s photographic industry, Austrian-German trade.

Archival Significance: This 1932 commercial card documents business communication between a Viennese photographic manufacturer and a German dealer. It illustrates the commercial networks within the European photographic industry and serves as an example of advertising and order management practices in the early 1930s.

🚂 Postal Route: Vienna → Leipzig (16 August 1932) (Estimated Route)

📍 Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹 → 🚂 Linz → 🚂 Passau, Germany 🇩🇪 → 🚂 Nuremberg → 🚂 Hof → 🚂 Leipzig

📮 Herlango Photo Company (Vienna, Rennweg 52) → 🚂 Railway mail → 📬 Georg Keilitz (Leipzig)
Kameras für jeden Zweck | Bellows cameras | Photographic dyes | Austria-Germany trade | Estimated travel time: 1-3 days

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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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