Original World War I-era Austrian registered military-related postal cover, mailed from Vienna, Austria to Tourcoing, Belgium in 1916.

The envelope is addressed to Hans Eynner at:

3. F. Bayr. Kriegslazarett
(Kunstschule)
Abt. 64
Tourcoing (Belgien)

“Kriegslazarett” translates to war/military hospital, making this an especially interesting WWI postal-history cover connected with a Bavarian military hospital in German-occupied Belgium.

The cover bears three matching 15 Heller Austro-Hungarian definitive stamps, providing a total franking of 45 Heller. The stamps show clear Vienna cancellations, including WIEN 68 dated 18.VI.16 (June 18, 1916).

A large purple “Freigegeben” handstamp appears at lower left. “Freigegeben” translates approximately as “Released/Passed” and is consistent with wartime postal control/censorship processing. Additional postal markings and red/blue routing marks appear across the front.

The reverse retains handwritten sender information from Vienna and shows evidence of the envelope having been opened along the upper flap.

A very attractive piece combining WWI military postal history, Austro-Hungarian stamps, wartime censorship, a Bavarian Kriegslazarett, Vienna postal markings, and occupied Belgium destination mail.

Condition: Used wartime condition with age toning, creases, edge/corner wear, postal handling, staining/soiling and opening wear/tears around the rear flap. All three stamps remain attached. Please examine the photographs carefully for exact condition.

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