German Exhibition Stamps, 1924–1934

Johannes Mohlzahn, Werkbund Exhibition: The Dwelling, Stuttgart (July–September 1927)
Ernst Keller, The New Home, Kunstgewerbemuseum Zürich (June–July 1928)

The implementation of the Dawes Plan in 1924 and the subsequent stabilization of the German economy led to an increase in production and consumption, reflected in a regular presentation of major exhibitions and trade fairs at commercial hubs throughout Germany. The posters created for these exhibitions were often reproduced as Reklamemarken (advertising stamps) to be affixed to letters, broadening the promotional reach. Striking graphics—such as Willi Petzold’s famous radiating eye created for the International Hygiene Exhibition in Dresden in 1930 (shown below)—were equally as effective as gargantuan billboards measuring 111 x 47” (282 x 120 cm) as they were as miniature stamps measuring 2 x 1” (4.8 x 2.7 cm). 

We share today a selection of such exhibition stamps, most of which measure between one and two inches. Significant collections of advertising stamps can be found at the Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien and at Vassar College.

Designer unknown, Building Exhibition, Stuttgart (June–September 1924)
Willi Petzold, Textile Exhibition, Dresden (June–September, 1924)
Designer unknown, Jugosi Luxury Trade Fair, Stuttgart (August 21–26, 1924)
Designer unknown, German Fur Fashion Show, Leipzig (April 20–21, 1925)

Designer unknown, Building Trade Fair, Stettin (June 26– July 12, 1925)
Johannes Molzahn, Central German Crafts Exhibition, Magdeburg (July 18–August 9, 1925)
Designer unknown, Building Exhibition, Essen (July 18–August 16, 1925)
Designer unknown, Westphalia-Lippe Craft and Design Show, Dortmund (August 8–31, 1925)

Designer unknown, Trade Fair, Dülmen (August 7–24, 1926)
Karl Schulpig, German Theater Exhibition, Magdeburg (May–September 1927)
Designer unknown, Paper, Dresden (June 1–September 30, 1927)
Designer unknown, Paper, Dresden (June 1–September 30, 1927)

Designer unknown, Cologne Trade Fair (February 12–17, 1928)
Willi Petzold, The Technical City, Dresden (May–October 1928)
Designer unknown, Li La La, Lemgo (July 13–15, 1928)
Designer unknown, Shop Window Show, Grassimuseum, Leipzig (October 14–November 18, 1928)

Designer unknown, Textile and Clothing Trade Fair, Stuttgart (April 7–10, 1929)
Johannes Molzahn, Werkbund Exhibition: Dwelling and Workplace, Breslau (June 15–September 15, 1929)
Willi Petzold, International Hygiene Exhibition Dresden (May–October 1930)
Designer unknown, German Work—German Goods, Magdeburg (September 25–October 11, 1932)

Designer unknown, Woman Exhibition, Berlin (March 18–April 23, 1933)
Herbert Bayer, Eighth International Exhibition for Office Furniture, Berlin (September 7–16, 1934)

December 2, 2025