Original WWII German Deutsches Reich Arbeitsbuch-Wilhelm Knupka-Official Employment Book-26 February 1935

Original Third Reich-era German Arbeitsbuch, or official employment record book, issued to Wilhelm Knupka in 1940. This is a particularly nice example because it is named, extensively completed, officially stamped, and documents the owner’s wartime employment history.

The front cover features the large Deutsches Reich eagle and swastika emblem above the title Arbeitsbuch. The rear cover retains the handwritten owner’s name.

The interior title page identifies the holder as Wilhelm Knupka and carries Arbeitsbuch number 433/002099. The book was issued under the German employment-control system established by the law of 26 February 1935. Arbeitsbücher were official state documents used to record a worker’s identity, occupation, residence, and employment history; by 1938, roughly 22.5 million had been issued. 

Information recorded inside includes:

• Name: Wilhelm Knupka
• Date of birth: 13 June 1902
• Birthplace: appears to be Groß-Strehlitz district
• Nationality: Deutsches Reich
• Residence: Stahlhammer, Kreis Lublinitz
• Occupation/trade: recorded as polnischer Sprache under special skills, indicating Polish-language ability
• Previous employment appears connected with Papierfabrikverein “Natronag,” Stahlhammer
• Employment entries for Zellstoff- und Papierfabrik “NATRONAG” A.G., Stahlhammer
• Wartime employment entries beginning in May–June 1940
• Official Arbeitsamt Lublinitz issue stamp and signature dated 3 June 1940

The book contains multiple original ink stamps, handwritten entries and signatures throughout. Of particular interest is the large circular Arbeitsamt Lublinitz stamp incorporating the Third Reich eagle and swastika, along with the company’s blue NATRONAG A.G. Stahlhammer stamps.

The geographic information is also interesting historically. Lublinitz and Groß-Strehlitz were in Upper Silesia, an area with a complicated German-Polish history, and the notation concerning Polish language ability adds additional context to the individual documented in the book.

This is an appealing original piece of WWII German civilian and industrial history, especially for collectors interested in Third Reich documents, German labor administration, Upper Silesia, wartime industry, paper manufacturing, or named researchable documents.

Condition is very good for an original wartime employment book, with normal edge and corner wear, minor rubbing to the covers, some spine wear, age toning and expected handling. Interior pages appear clean overall with strong printing, handwriting and stamps. No obvious major damage is visible in the supplied photographs. Please review all photographs for exact condition and contents.