1938 German Passport (2nd model) Marked with the red “J” for Jew (Judenstempel)
1.150,00€
Description
WARNING: Offered solely and exclusively for the purpose of collecting or historical interest; devoid of any political ideology or advocacy.
BACKGROUND: In 1938, Heinrich Rothmund, the head of the Swiss alien police, insisted that German authorities introduce the notorious red “J” stamp—the famous “Jewish stamp”—into the passports of Jewish German citizens. As of October 5, the inclusion of the printed capital letter “J” in their passports became mandatory. Following this addition, those so marked began to receive differential administrative treatment.
DESCRIPTION: German passport marked with the Jewish “J” stamp (*Judenstempel*), containing the holder’s personal details on pages 2 and 3.
Page 3 lists relevant details about the individual, noting his Jewish ancestry and his residence in the Schöneberg district—one of Berlin’s most fascinating, diverse, and historically rich neighborhoods, located in the central-western part of the German capital. He was born on October 26, 1900, in Karlstadt (Bavaria); he was an accountant of medium height, with an oval face, blond hair, and blue eyes.
Signed on March 22, 1938, by the Berlin Police President, Police Department 174 (*Der Polizeipräsident in Berlin, 174*).
Complete with all 32 pages and photograph, this is a *Reisepass “J” für Juden* (Passport “J” for Jews) of the second model introduced in 1936—when the Weimar eagle was replaced by the *Hoheitszeichen* (eagle and swastika) positioned between the words “Deutsches Reich” and “Reisepass.” It bears the large red letter “J” used to identify citizens of Jewish origin. German passports were generally valid for ten years, but this passport for Jews was valid for only one year.
This passport bears transit stamps and visas—from the Chilean Consulate General in Germany, a border crossing point, etc.
VERY RARE; A HISTORICAL DOCUMENT.
