Maria Klein German Arbeitsbuch – Kaiserslautern 1935 with Pfaff Factory Entries

Description

German Arbeitsbuch: Overview

This is an original Deutsches Reich Arbeitsbuch issued to Maria Klein, born 1 April 1910, according to the handwritten label on the cover. It was issued by the Arbeitsamt Kaiserslautern on 28 November 1935 and records her employment history through official stamps and handwritten entries.

What makes it more interesting than a common Arbeitsbuch is the combination of a named female holder, a clear place of issue and identifiable local employers, above all G. M. Pfaff A.G. Nähmaschinen-Fabrik Kaiserslautern.

Historical Context

The Arbeitsbuch was part of Germany’s labour administration in the 1930s and 1940s. It recorded a worker’s employers, changes of workplace and labour-office entries. It was a civilian document, not a military one, but it is an important source for the social and administrative history of the period.

Pfaff was founded in Kaiserslautern by Georg Michael Pfaff in the 19th century and became internationally known for sewing machines. The book also appears to include an entry or stamp connected with Lehmann & Sohn, Militär-Ausrüstungen, Kaiserslautern, of interest to collectors of wartime industry and supply businesses.

German Arbeitsbuch: Description

• Type: Arbeitsbuch (employment record book), Deutsches Reich
• Holder: Maria Klein, born 1 April 1910
• Issued: Arbeitsamt Kaiserslautern, 28 November 1935
• Content: employment entries, employer stamps and handwritten notes, including G. M. Pfaff A.G.
• Inventory code: DOC124

Condition

The book shows age and use: wear to the cover, toning, handling marks, official stamps and handwritten entries. The photographs form part of this description and should be reviewed carefully.

Provenance

No further provenance is recorded beyond the document itself.

Authenticity

Offered as an original period Arbeitsbuch on the basis of its format, paper, printing, stamps and handwritten entries, which are consistent with each other and with the period. Independent examination is available if formal certification is required.

Who Will Find It Interesting?

Collectors of German civil documents, women’s labour history, Kaiserslautern local history, Pfaff-related material and named personal archives.

Further Reading

For background on this type of document, see my Complete Collector’s Guide to WW2 German Documents.

For historical background, see Arolsen Archives e-Guide: “Work book” (Arbeitsbuch).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a German Arbeitsbuch?

A work record book used to register a person’s employment history, employers, labour-office entries and changes of workplace.

Was the Arbeitsbuch a military document?

No. It was a civilian labour document, although some examples include employers connected with wartime industry or military supply.

Why is the Pfaff entry of interest?

Pfaff was a well-known Kaiserslautern manufacturer, which gives the document additional local and industrial-history interest.

Historical Responsibility Notice: this item is offered as a historical artefact for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology.