Item Description
Original Items: Only One Available. Now this is a wonderful collection of personal photographs from the viewpoint of a German soldier fighting in WWI. The 84 photographs are contained in a black 3 ring binder with all images in document sleeves to better preserve them. The backs of most of the photos appear to have writing on them as well as paper remnants, so they were in a photo album at some point and most likely salvaged to prevent any additional damage.
At the start of WWI, many European soldiers were equipped with personal cameras — the most common type was the Vest Pocket Kodak. The original version was tiny (touted as “the vest pocket camera that will really go in the vest pocket”), measuring 5 x 3 x 1 inch (closed). Marketed to families of soldiers as a good “parting gift,” the Vest Pocket Autographic Kodak had an added feature that enabled the photographer to write notes onto the paper backing of the film while still in the camera through a built-in window. From August 1914, soldiers documented the early months of the war — from the first engagements through the establishment of trench warfare. Allied officials eager to control the “official view of war,” banned personal photography and instead established sanctioned photographic units. These official photographers avoided controversial or gruesome subjects and instead emphasized war preparedness and victory as a means of securing support of troops awaiting deployment and of civilians at home.
The photos, which average on the size of 2” x 2”, are all in wonderful condition and were developed carefully to preserve the details. Most of the images show a war torn city and battle emplacements with defensive positions. There are quite a few of group photos as well as individual soldier pictures. They show what appears to be downed aircraft, overturned/wrecked vehicles as well as soldiers on horseback.
A lovely variety of pictures that come more than ready for further research and display.
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