Date of use : 1938, Mexico
La Union Quimica Cover to I.G. Farben with Agfa Logo
This envelope was sent by the chemical company La Union Quimica, S.A., operating in Mexico, and bears the famous Agfa logo. Agfa was a pioneering German brand in the production of photography and film products during the 20th century and played a significant role in the photography and chemical industries. The recipient section includes the name "I.G. Farbenindustrie A.G.," a large German company that operated between 1925 and 1945, producing dyes, pharmaceuticals, and photographic materials. Additionally, the term "Abteilung Foto Uebersee" found in the recipient section translates to "Photography Overseas Department" and highlights the company's international trade activities.
The "Correo Aéreo" (Air Mail) stamp on the envelope indicates that it was transported by air, providing a glimpse into the fast and modern postal services of the era. Agfa's influence in the international market was strengthened in 1928 when it acquired the American photography manufacturer Ansco. Later, it merged with the Belgian company Gevaert, becoming Agfa-Gevaert and establishing itself as a significant player on a global scale.
Record Information
Title: La Union Quimica Cover to I.G. Farben with Agfa Logo
Category: Photographic Industry History / Commercial Correspondence
Subcategory: International Trade / Airmail
Country: Mexico (Origin) → Germany (Destination)
🗺️ Show Route
City: Mexico City → Berlin
Date of use: circa 1938 (based on design and I.G. Farben period 1925-1945)
Sender: La Union Quimica, S.A., Paseo de la Reforma 5, Mexico D.F.
Recipient: I.G. Farbenindustrie A.G., Abteilung Foto Uebersee (Photography Overseas Department), Berlin SO36
Object Type: International airmail cover / business correspondence
Postal Route ✈️: Mexico City, Mexico → Berlin, Germany (1938 Airmail Route)
Estimated Travel Time: Approximately 3-5 days (airmail via Pan-American and transatlantic routes)
Postal Features: "CORREO AEREO" markings (front and back), Mexican airmail stamps, Agfa logo prominently displayed
Companies: Agfa (German photographic brand, acquired Ansco 1928, later merged with Gevaert to form Agfa-Gevaert); I.G. Farbenindustrie A.G. (German chemical conglomerate, 1925-1945)
Language: Spanish / German
Material: Paper envelope
Dimensions: Standard envelope format
Collection Theme: Agfa corporate history, I.G. Farben networks, Mexico-Germany trade, pre-WWII commerce, photographic industry supply chains
Archival Significance: This 1930s envelope documents the commercial relationship between La Union Quimica, a Mexican chemical company, and I.G. Farben's Photography Overseas Department in Berlin. The prominent Agfa logo illustrates the brand's integration into I.G. Farben's vast industrial empire (1925-1945). The "CORREO AEREO" markings highlight the importance of airmail for transatlantic commerce in the pre-war era. This item is a primary source for understanding the global reach of I.G. Farben's photographic division and the distribution networks connecting Latin America with German chemical and photographic industries before World War II.
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.
