Vintage German Postcard 1912 Gymnastics Humor Comic Illustration #1521

In 1912, this whimsical postcard captured a humorous scene of gymnastics training. The charming illustration showcases a playful moment of military gymnastic drills with dialogue in German. Ideal for enthusiasts of antique humor and European history. Postmarked and handwritten, it carries its own unique story through time. The image depicts a humorous scene related to gymnastics, specifically featuring a pommel horse exercise, and includes a German caption that adds to the humor. Meaning of the Picture: Visual Representation: The image shows a male gymnast struggling on a pommel horse, with his face contorted in pain or effort. An instructor or officer in uniform stands beside him, addressing him with a stern expression. In the background, a line of other gymnasts in similar attire stand at attention. The scene is titled "Turnübungen" (Gymnastics Exercises) ]. Humorous Dialogue: The speech bubble from the instructor reads: "Kerl mach die Menageklappe zu, der Bock ist doch kein Kommissbrot!". "Kerl mach die Menageklappe zu" translates to "Fellow, close the mess flap" or "Shut your mouth/face" (referring to the gymnast's open mouth/face while struggling). "der Bock ist doch kein Kommissbrot!" translates to "the pommel horse is not military bread!". Combined Meaning: The humor lies in the instructor's stern and somewhat crude command, comparing the gymnast's face to a "mess flap" and the pommel horse to "military bread" (which was often hard and unappetizing). The implication