German Empire Passport Collection finally completed
How might one articulate the sensation of such a moment? After two decades of relentless pursuit, there it is—what has eluded you for so long, now revealed in all its glory. The German Empire passport booklets include 29 types and this displayed type is by far the most rare one.
The passport was issued in April 1870, still under the North German Confederation (which makes this document even more special and rare). Therefore, it is not, in fact, a German Empire passport, as this entity was expected to be established only in January 1871.
However, the type will remain the same design, without the wording NORDDEUTSCHER BUND. My collection is now completed after 20+ years.
The Principality of Reuss Gera
The House of Reuss began their rule circa 1010. Heinrich XLII became Count of Reuss-Schleiz in 1784, and then also became Count of Reuss-Gera in 1802. In 1806, the united county was raised to the Principality of Reuss-Gera or Reuss Younger Line.
The last two Princes Reuss of Gera, Heinrich XIV, 4th Prince Reuss of Gera and his son Heinrich XXVII, 5th Prince of Reuss-Gera, served successively as the Regents for Heinrich XXIV, the 6th and last Prince Reuss of Greiz who was unable to rule because of his physical and mental disabilities as a result of an accident in his childhood.
On November 11, 1918, Heinrich XXVII abdicated his position as 5th Prince Reuss of Gera and as Regent abdicated for the disabled Heinrich XXIV, 6th Prince Reuss of Greiz. The new government of Reuss-Gera made an agreement with Heinrich XXVII and granted him some castles and land. The territory encompassing the Principality of Reuss-Gera is now located within the German state of Thuringia.
All males belonging to the House of Reuss were given the name Heinrich followed by a numeral. In the Reuss-Greiz (Older Line), the numbering encompassed all male offspring and continued ascending until reaching 100, at which point it restarted from 1. Similarly, in the Reuss-Gera (Younger Line), the system was akin, with numbers increasing until the end of each century before resetting.
This practice served as a tribute to Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich VI (reigned 1191 – 1197), who had been instrumental in the family’s fortunes. Therefore, the Roman numerals appended to names do not signify regnal numbers.
The Federal German passport of Prince Reuss – Heinrich XXXVII
Tom Topol | Passport History Expert & Author.
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