The Postkarte (postcard) photo we have here shows Reserve Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 77. Seen in this photograph they are wearing the other ranks Kleinerock in Dark Blue. The Kleinerock being a Leisure tunic. They are clearly seen on their reservists week camp in Munster, 1912.
They appear to also have adopted the more comfortable "Schnurshuh" (laced shoes) which in this instance are the "side laced" pattern, which is an interesting method employed often with the German forces, as a traditional method for ankle support. The quality of this photograph like most studio photographs is seen in the detail of the set and the clarity of the people in them. This is seen in the clarity of the numbers seen on the shoulder boards, as seen on the seated left Infanter and the other standing behind. The back drop sets the scene but still provide focus for the people in the portrait. The reservists are seen seated and standing around a table with a detailed tablecloth and sign. Seen smartly dressed some are also seen sporting moustaches. A Postkarte that would be sent to a loved one or friend. Likely kept as a reminder of them in their service. Taken in Munster, Munster is a small town in the district of Heidekreis, Lower Saxony, Germany.
The sign seen in the middle is only partially legible but reads "Zur Erinnerung an unsere Lebensfreude, / 77 in Munster 1912" this translating to "For remembrance of our life joy, /77 in Munster 1912. This being a Pre World War One remembrance, yet to know that a war would unfold they are remembering their army service that would later serve as a memoir when away at war. The information detailed in the second attached scan of the reverse shows us that the person who wrote it had a small and rushed somewhat handwriting. Not much can be translated but it is written is in reference to someone visiting them, possibly a visit to someone in the photo whilst in reserve. The right hand side information below the stamp and postage mark is legible, it reads "Herrn August Post Juin Schneverdingen - Bakmanns Str.(Straße)" Addressed to Mr August Post sent in the month of June to his address in Schneverdingen, this being the northern part of the district of Heidekreis (Just North West of Munster) and then followed by Bakmanns Str. this being the street name.
The Postkarte is stamped and sent to Munster as detailed in the top circle of the postage mark and the bottom saying Hannover. The stamp is a green Germania 5 marks stamp depicting Anna Führing. Anna Führing was a German actress, the stamp was designed and engraved by Paul Eduard Waldraff. The design was chosen and approved by Wilhelm II. She was depicted as it was a representation as a German icon and something all of Germany could relate to. No royalty was selected to be the face of the stamp, this meaning no state would be seen as more important than any other. Hence why the postage stamps were known as "Germania" stamps, as a way to represent Germany and its Empire as a whole.
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