WWII U.S. Selective Service Registration Certificates-Pennsylvania-Named Pair- Raymond Arthur Luther

Offered here is an original pair of World War II-era United States Selective Service System Registration Certificates, identified as SSS Form No. 2.

These small registration certificates were issued as proof that an individual had complied with federal Selective Service registration requirements. The cards specifically state that the registrant was required to keep the certificate in his possession, which helps explain why surviving examples are often heavily worn.

The Selective Service program was established in 1940 as the United States prepared for possible involvement in the growing world conflict. The wartime draft system ultimately operated through the WWII period and into 1947. 

Named Pennsylvania Grouping

Both cards appear to relate to Raymond Arthur Luther, with Pennsylvania information handwritten on the certificates.

One card clearly records:

Name: Raymond Arthur Luther
Date of Birth: July 30, 1923
State: Pennsylvania
Document: Selective Service Registration Certificate
Form: SSS Form No. 2

The reverse sides contain the registrant’s physical descriptions, including handwritten information for height, weight, eye color, hair color, complexion and race.

This type of personalized information makes original Selective Service paperwork particularly interesting for WWII, genealogy and local-history collectors.

Condition

These are in heavily used, as-carried condition, with substantial period wear including:

• Heavy creasing and folding
• Rounded and worn corners
• Edge losses and small tears
• Surface staining and discoloration
• Handwritten entries and signatures