Erik Nitsche (Swiss, 1908 - 1998)
"Germany Postal Relics"
Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media on Illustration Board.
Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.
This artwork was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 22c Stamp Collecting stamp issued January 23, 1986. Today, it is a simple matter to send a letter abroad. However, in the mid 1800s it was somewhat more troublesome. For, in countries like Germany, there were numerous sovereign states and many different routes through rough, mountainous terrain. During this time, the duties of the postmaster were often combined with that of innkeeper. In addition to serving as a host for travelers, this person was responsible for receiving and passing along the mail to the next post, and providing fresh horses for the postboys who carried the mail. When the mail was due to arrive, the citizens of the town would gather around the Post Office to wait for its arrival which was heralded by the distant sound of the postal horn. Today, the postal horn has come to symbolize much of the rich postal history of Germany and other nations. This artwork depicts an antique postal horn from the early 1900s, and an ornate mailbox used by the Imperial German Mail Service. An official post office sign of the German Reichspost is also shown.
Image Size: 14 x 12 in.
Overall Size: 20 x 15 in.
Unframed. (B10034)
Condition
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