The Story
This reproduction is a faithful replica of the National Registration identity card issued in the United Kingdom during the First World War. Introduced under the National Registration Act of 1915, these cards were a mandatory requirement for all persons between the ages of 15 and 65 who were not already serving in the Armed Forces. This reproduction provides a factual, administrative look at how the British government monitored manpower and prepared for the eventual introduction of conscription.
Product Specifications & Features
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Authentic 1915 Design: High-quality reproduction featuring the correct layout, typography, and official wording of the original Great War issue.
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Manpower Documentation: Illustrates the early war effort to categorise the civilian population by occupation and physical fitness.
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Service-Issue Quality: Printed on durable, era-appropriate card stock designed to replicate the feel of early 20th-century official paperwork.
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Historical Accuracy: Includes the standard fields for name, address, and occupation, providing a realistic insight into the bureaucracy of the 1910s.
Historical Context
This document serves as a primary-source record of Britain’s transition into a "Total War" economy:
-
National Registration: Reflects the government's move to identify men in "starred" (essential) occupations versus those available for military service.
-
Legal Requirement: All civilians were required to produce this card upon request, making it an essential piece of daily life during the latter half of the war.
-
Manpower Planning: These cards were the precursor to the Military Service Act of 1916, which introduced compulsory enlistment.
Realistic Use Cases
Consistent with our army surplus UK standards for functional historical resources, this ID card is intended for:
-
Historical Reenactment: An essential "pocket filler" for those portraying civilians, special constables, or soldiers on home leave during the 1915–1918 period.
-
Educational Displays: A practical tool for museums and schools to show the administrative side of the Great War and the impact on civil liberties.
-
Genealogical Research: Provides cultural context for those researching ancestors who were working in domestic industries during the conflict.
-
Theatrical Props: Accurate, period-correct documentation for stage and film productions set in the United Kingdom during WWI.
Condition Note: This is a high-quality modern reproduction. It is designed for active use and study, offering a realistic look and feel where a century-old original would be far too fragile for regular handling or display.
Description
This reproduction is a faithful replica of the National Registration identity card issued in the United Kingdom during the First World War. Introduced under the National Registration Act of 1915, these cards were a mandatory requirement for all persons between the ages of 15 and 65 who were not already serving in the Armed Forces. This reproduction provides a factual, administrative look at how the British government monitored manpower and prepared for the eventual introduction of conscription.
Product Specifications & Features
-
Authentic 1915 Design: High-quality reproduction featuring the correct layout, typography, and official wording of the original Great War issue.
-
Manpower Documentation: Illustrates the early war effort to categorise the civilian population by occupation and physical fitness.
-
Service-Issue Quality: Printed on durable, era-appropriate card stock designed to replicate the feel of early 20th-century official paperwork.
-
Historical Accuracy: Includes the standard fields for name, address, and occupation, providing a realistic insight into the bureaucracy of the 1910s.
Historical Context
This document serves as a primary-source record of Britain’s transition into a "Total War" economy:
-
National Registration: Reflects the government's move to identify men in "starred" (essential) occupations versus those available for military service.
-
Legal Requirement: All civilians were required to produce this card upon request, making it an essential piece of daily life during the latter half of the war.
-
Manpower Planning: These cards were the precursor to the Military Service Act of 1916, which introduced compulsory enlistment.
Realistic Use Cases
Consistent with our army surplus UK standards for functional historical resources, this ID card is intended for:
-
Historical Reenactment: An essential "pocket filler" for those portraying civilians, special constables, or soldiers on home leave during the 1915–1918 period.
-
Educational Displays: A practical tool for museums and schools to show the administrative side of the Great War and the impact on civil liberties.
-
Genealogical Research: Provides cultural context for those researching ancestors who were working in domestic industries during the conflict.
-
Theatrical Props: Accurate, period-correct documentation for stage and film productions set in the United Kingdom during WWI.
Condition Note: This is a high-quality modern reproduction. It is designed for active use and study, offering a realistic look and feel where a century-old original would be far too fragile for regular handling or display.
