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The text stamped through at the top of panel 3 is important. It says that the Ausweis was valid only in the year for which administrative dues had been paid. As a wonderful example of just how rare this document is, that statement was obscured and the year spaces on the back panel (1937 - 1946) were also crossed out with an inked X, so that the document was valid as long as the individual was in the grave marker producing business!

ORIGINAL NAZI RKK BILDENDE KÜNSTE AUSWEIS - VISUAL
ARTS IDENTITY DOCUMENT - GRAVESTONE MAKER

The Reichskulturkammer (RKK or State Chamber of Culture) was a very complex and important department of the German government. Without exception, anyone and everyone involved in "all forms of artistic creation or activity which are made public, appear in print or are transmitted through the air" were required to be members. They had to carry an identification card from one of the chambers of the Reichskulturkammer in order to be employed anywhere in Germany, or German occupied territory.

Those chambers included the Chamber of Visual Arts, Theater Chamber, the Motion Picture Chamber, the Literature Chamber, Press Chamber, Music Chamber and Radio Chamber. The Presidents of each chamber formed a National Advisory Committee which was supplemented by a Reich Culture Senate composed of "persons of outstanding cultural attainments". Along with Dr. Joseph Goebbels, the Reichsminister für Volksaufklärung und Propaganda (State Minister for National Community Clarification and Publicity), these people oversaw every aspect of everything that got artistically produced, was printed or performed in Nazi Germany.

The original 1-5/8 x 2 inch ID photo is properly endorsed with two Nazi rubber stamps, an emboss across the lower left of the photo and Johann Spinnräker signed below it.

GRABMAL-HERSTELLER JOHANN SPINNÄKER

This is an original 4-panel, 3-5/8 x 5 inch (unfolds to 5 x 7-1/4 inch) SA brown leinen Ausweis or oilcloth Identity Document for a member of the State Chamber of Visual Arts of the State Chamber of Culture. The member, Johann Spinnräker of Oeynhausen, was a Grabmal-Hersteller or gravestone producer.

This rare Reichskulturkammer ID number 26840 was issued on 15 May 1938 when Spinnräker was 57 years old.

This original RKK ID issued to Johann Spinnräker in 1938 is for sale for $195.00 delivered by 1st Class Mail in the USA.

• IF you prefer faster and safer Priority Mail shipping with USPS Tracking add $9.00.

• IF you wish to purchase highly recommended, but optional insurance, add $3.50.

• We will be happy to ship abroad at additional cost, however foreign customers are      responsible for any VAT payments, import duties and clearing fees. Please inquire.

This 100% original 86+ year old RKK membership identity document is in very nice condition, exactly as shown. We have never seen one issued to a gravestone maker!