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An uncommon illustrated German-language promotional booklet issued by Friedrich Mißler, an authorized emigration and steamship passenger agent operating from Bahnhofstraße 13–14 in Bremen, Germany, during the late nineteenth century.
The booklet advertises transatlantic passenger transportation through the port of Bremen, particularly passage to the United States, with additional services to Brazil, Australia, and East Asia. It includes illustrated views of Bremen and Bremerhaven, steamship imagery, a portrait of Mißler, and a reproduction of his official authorization to conduct the passenger-booking business.
Of particular historical interest is a direct appeal to emigrants traveling to America. Mißler encourages satisfied passengers to recommend his agency to friends and relatives considering emigration, illustrating the importance of personal networks in nineteenth-century transatlantic migration.
The booklet also documents the commercial infrastructure of European emigration, when specialized agents connected prospective emigrants with major shipping companies, including Norddeutscher Lloyd.
Three originally perforated detachable sections have been removed, leaving their stubs intact. Their precise original contents have not been established, although their placement together suggests a group of functional forms or other detachable material.
An evocative piece of German-American immigration history, combining commercial advertising, transportation history, and the personal experience of nineteenth-century emigration.
Details
Issuer: Friedrich Mißler, Bremen
Title: Illustrated emigration and steamship passenger advertising booklet
Date: Circa 1890 (estimated)
Language: German
Place: Bremen, Germany
Format: Illustrated promotional booklet in original pictorial wrappers
Illustrations: Bremen and Bremerhaven views, steamships, portrait of Friedrich Mißler
Associated shipping company: Norddeutscher Lloyd
Dimensions: Approximately 4¼ × 5½ inches
Condition
Good. Original illustrated wrappers with visible age-related wear, rubbing, handling marks, and minor edge wear. Interior leaves show light toning and scattered handling wear.
Three originally perforated detachable sections have been removed, with their stubs remaining together in the booklet. The precise contents of the removed sections are unknown.
Surviving illustrations and printed text remain legible and attractive. Please examine photographs for condition and completeness.
Subject
German-American Immigration; Transportation History
Topic
Emigration; Steamships; Bremen; Bremerhaven; Norddeutscher Lloyd; Nineteenth-Century Advertising
