Frequently Asked Questions
What stamps do I need to fill out Soldbücher for people in my reenactment group?
Where to get wood stamp handles?
What kind of stamp pads should I use?
How can I get a WWII German typewriter for reenactment?
Translated Reference Material
The Work Arrangement for the Hauptfeldwebel and his Clerks in the Schreibstube.
Original regulations, from “Hilfsbuch für den Hauptfeldwebel” 1942
Dienstsiegel (Service Seals), Dienststempel (Service Stamps), Briefstempel (Letter Stamps)
Original regulations for Wehrmacht document stamps, from H.Dv. 30 “Schrift- und Geschäftsverkehr der Wehrmacht” 1939
Reenacting
“Kompanie Schreiber” – Reenacting the Papierkrieg
Every reenactment group should have a clerk to issue identity documents and other paperwork. This article is a guide for people interested in this unique specialty impression, it contains tips for how to get started and ideas for the practical application of this skill in a living history context.
Creating a Roster for a WWII German Reenactment Unit
A roster is one of the most basic functional things a clerk in a reenactment unit can create. I have compiled all the information needed for this, including printable PDFs.
Modern Equivalents to WWII Paper
Living history photos
Photos showing a range of WWII desk and office setups from reenactment events.
Material Culture
Original WWII German Document Stamps
Scans and explanations of some of the most common types of document stamps used in the Third Reich.
WWII German Typewriters with the SS Runic Key
Soldbuch Portrait Photos
Information about portrait photos used in the Soldbuch, with some original examples.
WWII German Fountain and Dip Pen Nibs
Scans of Original WWII German Documents
Original examples of the Soldbuch and Wehrpass,
Original Typewriters
Examples of pre-1945 European typewriters, that could have been used during WWII
Stamp Ink Colors
A look at the variety of stamp ink colors in one WWII document, and a discussion of available modern colors
“Normschrift”
Instructional booklet for form of hand lettering used for technical writing and more
Indelible Pencils in WWII German Documents
Printable Reproduction Paperwork
Civilian postal stationery of wartime Germany and occupied Poland
Soldbuch insert for equipment issue
Instruction label for Olympia Robust typewriter case
Label for typewriter oil bottle
Historical Articles
Stories from WWII told by original documents.
Willy Spörer: A story of one young soldier, 1944
Heinz Zboril: A story of one young soldier, 1943
Gefechtsturm VI, Hamburg-Wilhelmsburg
A flak tower in Hamburg and a Luftschutz Dienstbuch for a nurse who worked there.