German Passport 1940 Tientsin
Issued by the Nazis in 1940 in Tientsin, China, this rare German passport with a large Chinese stamp featuring a Swastika belonged to 26-year-old Marianna Gosewisch, born in China in 1914. The passport, valid until 13 August 1945, was renewed in Tientsin.

Note the “examined stamp” on page six, stamped by the BUREAU OF POLICE, GREATER TIENTSIN. The document was used to travel to Japan. Page seven shows a passport extension from the German office for another two years, until 1947.

The passport included the 1938 Third Reich Certificate, a reference letter from Melchers & Co. Tientsin, and a 1958 testimonial from the German School Principal. Also, two photos of her Tientsin home—a collector’s rare find.

The Japanese red boxed cachet is the standard phrasing to indicate that the holder is a German national just in case being stopped by a Japanese police/military patrol in occupied China…

In 1866, Melchers entered Hong Kong, expanding from Bremen. Business thrived, leading to branches in Shanghai and other cities by 1910. World War I led to branch closures, but the 1920s saw a revival with Chinese Government support.

However, the Second World War and the Communist Government caused a halt. In 1952, Hong Kong became the central hub for Melchers’ business, which still persists today.

Another German-Tientsin Passport from 1929

 German Passport 1940 Tientsin

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