Mid-20th Century German Philatelic Cover (Postmarked Envelope)

This item is a standard rectangular paper envelope, likely from the mid-20th century, specifically post-World War II West Germany. It features a handwritten address in blue-black ink, indicating the recipient is Franz Khunitz in Mainz, Rheinstr. 48. The envelope is notable for its philatelic elements: it bears a 10 Pfennig 'Deutsche Bundespost' stamp depicting a horse-drawn carriage and a smaller 'Notopfer Berlin' (Berlin Emergency Tax) stamp. The Berlin tax stamp was a blue-and-white 2-pfennig surcharge required on domestic West German mail from 1948 to 1956 to support the blockaded city of Berlin. The main stamp is cancelled with a circular postmark that appears to be from Essen, dated in the 1950s. The paper shows general signs of age with light tanning, minor creasing, and softened corners. There is some slight discoloration or staining visible on the surface. The handwriting is in a formal, cursive script typical of the mid-century European style. The combination of the definitive series stamp and the specific Berlin tax seal makes this a classic example of Cold War-era postal history from the Federal Republic of Germany.