Just to show, here is the front piece of a cover sent to the predecessor of Hitler, Reichskansler Heinrich Brüning.
Sent by courier (Eilbote) from Stuttgart.
A number of noteworthy things: notice that there is no need for an address. Reichskansler in Berlin is enough.
I do not know why the red pencil cross and paraph was used for. Who can tell me?
re: A letter to the German chancellor from July 1931 with red pencil markings
My understanding, from now-deceased member Mette Heindorff, is that the X is a "flag" to indicate the letter's special delivery status. I have two similar German examples, but in black or blue pen or pencil. The British and at least some Commonwealth covers used a big + across the front of the cover.
re: A letter to the German chancellor from July 1931 with red pencil markings
Yes, the blue cross on an envelope in Britain (and in many other countries) indicated that the item was registered. The arms of the cross were parallel to the sides of the envelope.
At one time there was even a GPO regulation that if an envelope were posted with a blue cross but registration had not been been paid for then it would be compulsorily registered and the fee for this would be collected on delivery.
re: A letter to the German chancellor from July 1931 with red pencil markings
I knew nothing about Dr Brüning so had a quick look in Wikipedia.
I was pleased to see he took the wise course of emigrating to the USA, working there and living in retirement in Vermont until his death at the age of 84 in 1970.
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