Original German Third Reich Deutsches Reich Arbeitsbuch (Employment Record Book) issued to Rudolf Kirsche, a professional baker from Schmölln, Thüringen.
The Arbeitsbuch was introduced under the German labor registration law of February 26, 1935 and served as an official record of a worker’s identity, professional training and employment history.
Rudolf Kirsche was born on October 26, 1919 in Schmölln, Kreis Altenburg, Thüringen. His professional training is recorded as Bäcker (Baker), with his apprenticeship dating from the mid-1930s.
The Arbeitsbuch was officially issued on February 11, 1936 by the Arbeitsamt Altenburg, Nebenstelle Schmölln.
Particularly interesting is the extensive employment history preserved inside. Kirsche worked for a number of bakeries and master bakers in Thüringen, with occupations recorded as Bäcker and Bäckergeselle (Journeyman Baker). Employers represented by original stamps and handwritten entries include Helmut Heinke, Bäckermeister of Großstöbnitz; Arno Auerswald of Neustadt an der Orla; Heinrich Reichenbach of Weimar; and the Curt Edler Dampfbäckerei in Altenburg.
The book continued to follow Kirsche’s professional career after WWII. Later entries from 1947, 1948 and 1951 remain recorded in the original Third Reich-era document, including his later occupation as Bäckermeister (Master Baker).
This extended period of use provides an interesting continuous record of one German tradesman’s career from the prewar Third Reich period, through WWII and into postwar Germany.
Period: Third Reich / WWII / Early Postwar
Country: Germany
Document: Deutsches Reich Arbeitsbuch
Holder: Rudolf Kirsche
Born: October 26, 1919
Birthplace: Schmölln, Kreis Altenburg, Thüringen
Profession: Baker
Recorded Occupations: Bäcker / Bäckergeselle / Bäckermeister
Issued: February 11, 1936
Issuing Office: Arbeitsamt Altenburg – Nebenstelle Schmölln
Employment History: Multiple bakeries and master bakers in Thüringen
Period of Recorded Employment: 1930s–1951
Contents: Numerous handwritten entries, official stamps, employer stamps and signatures
Language: German
Condition: Good period-used condition with expected age, handling wear, staining and cover wear. Interior entries and numerous employer stamps remain well preserved and clearly visible, as photographed.
