This is an authentic antique German brass postal sign...the "Posthilftstelle" (Postal Assistance Center).
The Posthilftstelle was an Auxiliary post office in the late 19th century to early 20th century, contracted to private citizens, with the goal of ensuring postal services in rural areas of Germany.
Antique ca. 1880s - 1900s
- The sign depicts the Imperial German Eagle (Reichsadler) emblem with "Posthilftstelle" Fraktur text, the old style Gothic script.
- Fraktur was the dominant German typeface for centuries & was officially banned in 1941 by the Nazi Regime (see history below).
- The Reischsadler (official emblem of the Imperial German Empire) depicted on this sign, dates its use to no later than WWI's conclusion as with it, came the dissolution of the Empire and the Monarchy form of government.
Sourced directly from the region of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
It’s a solid, light weight brass sign with imperfections, dents, & standard age wear consistent with its age. Please review photos carefully.
Measurements (approximate):
Width: 12"
Height: 16"
Weight: xx lbs
HISTORY:
The auxiliary post offices originated circa 1881 in the Imperial Postal Territory & established nationwide after the reorganization of Bavaria and the German Empire in 1898.
Interesting fact: Because the postal auxiliary offices were managed by private individuals, the acceptance of mail or services was simply a matter of trust between the customer & postal auxiliary office. Only upon arrival at a city post office did it become a postal item. This remained unchanged until 1995.
Fraktur, a style of Gothic script, was the dominant German typeface for centuries and was widely used in books, newspapers, and official documents. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, there was a growing debate in Germany about whether to adopt the more modern Antiqua typeface (used in many other European languages). After initially embracing it, even promoting it as a symbol of German identity, it was "officially" banned (by decree called "Schrifterlass) in 1941. The decision was motivated by a desire to simplify communication for conquered territories and future generations. The Fraktur was unbanned following WW2 but it never regained its former glory.
