The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Documents · Civil papers
Arbeitskarte for Polish Workers: History, Contents and Collector’s Guide
| Full title | “Arbeitskarte für polnische Arbeitskräfte aus dem Generalgouvernement” |
|---|---|
| Issued by | German police authorities |
| Contents | Fingerprints, photograph, personal details, employer, police entries |
| Restrictions | Holders could not leave their workplace without police permission |
| In the collection | 1 piece currently available (see below) |
The Arbeitskarte for Polish workers recorded and controlled the labourers, many of them forced, brought from occupied Poland to work in the Reich. It is a document of exploitation and should be described as such.
What Is a Arbeitskarte for Polish Workers?
The POLIN Museum holds the work card of Bogusław Allina, issued on 24 November 1944 by the Police President in Breslau, for work at the Klettendorf sugar factory. It carries the holder’s fingerprints and signature, a stamped photograph and personal details, and a stamp stating that he could not leave his workplace without police permission. A red seal in the centre reads “Kennzeichenpflichtig”.
Who Issued It, and Who Signed It?
Cards were issued and stamped by the German police, with entries by employers and authorities. See Arbeitsbuch and Fritz Sauckel.
What Should Collectors Watch For?
- The holder was usually a victim of forced labour; describe with respect.
- Memorial institutions may be the right home for such documents.
- Stamps and photograph must be original and consistent.
Collector’s Note
With these cards I think of the person first. Where a document can help a family or a memorial archive, that matters more than the market.
Related Entries and Pieces
Pieces in the Collection
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Arbeitskarte for Polish workers?
A police-issued work card for Polish labourers from the General Government working in the Reich.
What restrictions did it record?
Holders could not leave the workplace without police permission.
Who holds an example?
The POLIN Museum in Warsaw holds the card of Bogusław Allina, issued in Breslau in 1944.
Historical Responsibility Notice: this entry documents historical figures and artefacts of the National Socialist period for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology, and it is written in memory of the victims of the regime.
References & Further Reading
- POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, Bogusław Allina’s work card from the period of German occupation (MPOLIN-A41.1.13).