Hamburg Südamerikanische Dampfschifffahrt-Gesellschaft (HSDG – Hamburg South American Steamship Company) was founded in 1871. It was the successor of Hamburg-Brasilianische Dampfschiffahrts-Gesellschaft (Hamburg-Brazilian Steamship Company). Accordingly, HSDG served regular lines from Hamburg to Brazil and Argentina.
It is interesting to collect historical postcards from the era of fast steamships which show the steamships Cap Trafalgar and Cap Polonio. These two steamers were typical for the 50-vessel fleet in 1914.
After the loss of the fleet during World War I, HSDG invested also in cruise business, operating Cap Arcona (II) 1927, which is shown on pictures.
Many vessels under the flag of this company also operated in the field of tanker shipping after World War II. These are found on historical postcards, too.
The shipping companies Royal Mail Line, Pacific Steam Navigation Company (PSNCo), and Rotterdam Zuid-America Lijn became part of HSDG’s assets in 1990, following a wave of takeovers and acquisitions.
Those who love to collect historical postcards are primarily interested in the pictures of the ships of the “Monte”-class, e.g. Monte Olivia and Monte Cervantes, and the “Cap San”-class, e.g. Cap Finisterre.