WWI Imperial German Postcard Russian Spies Interrogation Felix Schwarmstädt

Original World War I-era German illustrated military postcard depicting the interrogation of captured Russian spies.

The printed German caption reads:

“Verhör russischer Spione.”
Translation: “Interrogation of Russian Spies.”

The dramatic scene shows two Russian prisoners being questioned at a military headquarters, surrounded by German soldiers and officers. One prisoner appears to be undergoing questioning at the desk while another stands under guard. The illustration provides an interesting example of how espionage and the Russian enemy were portrayed in German popular imagery during WWI.

The lower right identifies the artwork/series:

A 81
F.P. & Co. A.G.L.
Felix Schwarmstädt

The edge also bears the wording “Mit Genehmigung der Illustrirten Zeitung, Leipzig”, indicating reproduction with permission of the Illustrirte Zeitung of Leipzig.

I found another example of the same “Verhör russischer Spione” postcard currently offered by a German postcard dealer, who describes it as an original approximately 9 × 14 cm military/history postcard.

Historical Interest

Espionage and suspected enemy agents were a significant theme in German wartime propaganda and popular culture during the First World War. This card is particularly attractive because it combines:

• WWI German military subject matter
• Russian soldiers/prisoners
• Espionage and spy theme
• Military interrogation scene
• German officers and soldiers
• Felix Schwarmstädt artwork
• Leipzig Illustrirte Zeitung connection
• Numbered A81 series card

The reverse is unused/unmailed, with divided postcard back and an old handwritten collector’s number “7.”

Condition: Original vintage condition with age-related wear, including edge/corner wear, small surface losses and handling marks as visible in the photographs. Please review all images carefully for exact condition.

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YB3 series