English: Kunzli Freres

Zurich Paris c. 1900 Lithograph Undivided back

[Original Italian title] La Posta Nelle Indie Inglesi [end]

[Original caption] D'estate quando le infezioni della polvere trovano nel sudore e nella pelle un terreno comodissimo al loro sviluppo, l'unico disinfetante, che non essendo veleneso ne puzzolente puo venire usato per tutta la persona, e soltanto il Lysoform. [English translation] In the summer when infections are in the dust and sweat in the skin ground convenient to their development, the only disinfectant, not being poisonous or smelly that best suits the person, is Lysoform.” [end]

This card is the Italian version of a beautiful French series depicting the world's postal services in 1900. Kunzli Freres was a Swiss firm, with an office in Paris, renowned for high-quality lithographic printing. Like many cards at the beginning of the postcard revolution, the high cost of producing a lithograph was borne by an advertiser. The image and message celebrates a new form of communication becoming more popular, while dressing it comfortably in the old elements of a feudal society. Note the embossed, cancelled stamp at the lower left, adding a touch of authenticity to a card that was never mailed.