1800s Albert Sigel Strasboug Societe Philatelique Union Postal History Collection

A remarkable survivor of early 20th-century philately, combining international postal history, family correspondence and records of a historic Strasbourg business.

This assembled collection is associated with Albert Sigel, a Strasbourg philatelist active around 1900. Many pieces are addressed to him at 26 rue des Juifs, the address of the Sigel family's painting and glazing business.

Sigel Frères traced its origins to 1832. Historical records document “Sigel et Fils” working on the glazing of Notre-Dame de Rouffach in 1872. Sotheby's research also identifies an earlier Strasbourg glazier named Albert Sigel whose workshop held medieval stained-glass panels for restoration; a direct identity link to the collector is unconfirmed.

The collection includes postal cards, stationery and correspondence from France, Germany, Britain, Spain, Italy, Argentina, the USA, Canada, Australia, Russia and beyond.

Evidence of deliberate collecting survives on the pieces themselves. A Spanish card reads “Pour la collection” (“for the collection”); an Argentine item carries a personal souvenir inscription addressed to Sigel.

Alongside these international exchanges are original business letters about glass, orders and prices, together with family, social and military correspondence. This is more than a stamp collection: it is a glimpse into a Strasbourg collector's world over a century ago.

Included is Albert Sigel's original 1930 Diplôme d'Honneur, awarded by the Société Philatélique “Union” of Strasbourg on 13 December 1930. The diploma confirms his recognised philatelic involvement but was NOT awarded specifically for this collection.

Offered as originally assembled in its original casing and framing. Please examine the photographs carefully for contents and condition.

An unusual opportunity for collectors of postal history, historic documents and Strasbourg heritage.