Original 1948 Allied Occupation German ID-Issued to a Polish Citizen w/ Photograph

Offered is an original 1948 Allied Occupation German Kennkarte (identity card) complete with its original photograph and official occupation authority stamps.

This document was issued on 25 January 1948, several years after the end of World War II, during the Allied occupation of Germany. It is printed in both German and Polish, indicating it was intended for a Polish national residing within the Allied occupation zone.

The identity card was issued to:

• Name: Jerzy Józef Hofman
• Issue Date: 25 January 1948
• Birthplace: Douai, France
• Nationality/Residence: Listed in occupied Germany
• Occupation: Student (Schüler)
• Religion: Roman Catholic

The document still retains the original portrait photograph and bears several official occupation-era stamps, including an Allied Government (“Alliiertenregierung”) seal and occupation administrative markings. The bilingual format and Allied authority markings make this an excellent example of the administrative transition following Germany’s surrender.

Identity documents from the immediate postwar period are considerably less common than wartime Third Reich Kennkarten and provide a fascinating glimpse into the rebuilding of Europe, refugee movements, displaced persons, and Allied military government administration.

Condition

The document shows honest age and period use.

• Original photograph remains attached.
• Multiple official ink stamps remain clear.
• Expected staining, folds, edge wear, and handling consistent with an original paper document over 75 years old.
• Housed in a protective sleeve for preservation.

Overall, an attractive and historically significant occupation-era document suitable for collectors of WWII, Allied occupation, displaced persons history, or European identification documents.

Historical Significance

Unlike Third Reich identification cards, this document represents the immediate post-war occupation period, when Allied military governments were responsible for civil administration throughout Germany. Documents bearing Allied Government seals are sought after because they illustrate the transition from Nazi rule to Allied control and the reconstruction of civil society.