The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Documents · Military papers

Militärpass: History, Contents and Collector’s Guide

Period German Empire, until after the First World War
Contents Personal data, units, training, campaigns, awards, discharge
Example Militärpass of gunner Karl August Seidel, Königsberg, c. 1916 (Deutsches Historisches Museum)
Successor The Wehrpass, from 1935
In the collection See current pieces in the collection

The Militärpass was the service record of soldiers in the Imperial German army, the predecessor of the Wehrpass. First World War examples are common, and they often appear in family groups alongside later Wehrmacht documents.

What Is a Militärpass?

The Militärpass recorded a soldier’s personal details, units, training, campaigns, awards and discharge, with printed text, handwritten entries and official stamps. The Deutsches Historisches Museum holds the duplicate Militärpass of gunner Karl August Seidel, issued in Königsberg around 1916. After conscription was reintroduced in 1935, the Wehrpass took its place, and many veterans’ Wehrpässe record their earlier service.

Who Issued It, and Who Signed It?

Entries were made by the soldier’s units and military authorities, with stamps and signatures of officers and clerks.

What Should Collectors Watch For?

  • Campaign entries are the most interesting part; they can be checked against unit histories.
  • Duplicates (Zweit-Ausfertigung) were issued and should be described as such.
  • Family groups with a later Wehrpass are especially informative.

Collector’s Note

A Militärpass beside its owner’s later Wehrpass tells the story of a man who lived through both wars. Those groups are among my favourites.

Related Entries and Pieces

Pieces in the Collection

Browse current pieces related to Militärpass in the Autographs & Militaria collection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Militärpass?

The service record book of the Imperial German army.

What replaced the Militärpass?

The Wehrpass, introduced with conscription in 1935.

What is a Zweit-Ausfertigung?

A duplicate copy of the document.

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