Original WW2 Nazi German SS 1938 Third Reich Rationing Rations Document Consumer Guide

Original 1938 Third Reich German four-page foldout consumer rationing document, officially titled:

“Merkblatt für Verbraucher über den Bezug von Lebensmitteln, Seife, Hausbrandkohle, Spinnstoffwaren und Schuhwaren”

Translation: “Information Sheet for Consumers Concerning the Purchase of Food, Soap, Household Coal, Textiles and Footwear.”

This is an excellent piece of pre-WWII German home-front and economic history. Published by the Reichsdruckerei in Berlin in 1938, the four-page document explains the government-controlled Bezugsschein purchase-certificate system and the regulations governing access to essential consumer goods. A bibliographic listing for this exact publication also identifies it as a 1938 Reichsdruckerei issue consisting of four pages.

The first section lists 14 categories of controlled goods, including bread and flour, potatoes, meat, milk, dairy products, oils and fats, eggs, sugar and marmalade, legumes, grains, coffee, tea, cocoa and substitutes, soap and washing products, household coal, textiles, leather, footwear, and materials for shoe repair.

Additional sections cover Ausweiskarten (identification/ration cards), Einzelbezugsscheine (individual purchase certificates), goods taken from one’s own business, self-suppliers, and penalties for violations. The regulations also specifically mention members of the Wehrmacht, Polizei, SS-Verfügungstruppe, Sicherheits- und Hilfsdienst, Luftschutz, Postschutz, Bahnschutz and Wasserstraßenschutz.

The bottom of the final page bears the issuing authorities:

Der Reichsernährungsminister – Reich Minister of Food
Der Reichswirtschaftsminister – Reich Minister of Economics
Der Reichsminister des Innern – Reich Minister of the Interior

An especially interesting original document showing the increasingly regulated German economy and the administrative system governing everyday necessities immediately before WWII.

The sheet unfolds to form four printed pages. It remains complete but shows substantial period use and storage wear, including original folds, punched filing holes, toning, edge wear, small tears, creasing and separation/weakness along portions of the folds. Please examine all photographs carefully for condition.

Guaranteed original 1938 period document.

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YB13 series