Italian Socialist Republic Passport, 1944 Berlin
The Republic of Salò (Repubblica Soziale Italiana) Italian Socialist Republic
On 23 September 1943, Mussolini reappeared, proclaiming a new fascist state in the North of Italy, The Italian Social Republic. Stretching as far south as Rome, this was to be the last bastion of Fascism in Italy. Essentially a puppet-state propped up by the Nazi’s, it’s headquarters was in Salò on the shores of Lake Garda. Mussolini was tired and intent on being a recluse, but Hitler encouraged him to help the Axis cause just one more time. Italian Socialist Republic
The Republic had its own currency, government, and flag and had an army of 150,000 men loyal to Mussolini. It was, however, totally dependant on Germany to survive. Despite help from the Third Reich, unrest was common in the region. Guerilla warfare from resistance movements undermined Mussolini’s authority and was a constant thorn in the regime’s side. The resistance riled Hitler so much that he ordered the Ardeatine Massacre in April 1944, which brutally killed ten Italian civilians for every German killed by the partisans. This was an act of cruelty that even the Duce protested against. Italian Socialist Republic
Meanwhile, down south, the advancing Allies were breaching every German defense line and were on the road North. As they marched ever nearer, Mussolini attempted to flee to Switzerland. He was captured by partisans near Lake Como while attempting to escape and was taken to Milan, where he was hung in front of cheering crowds.
The Republic of Salo existed for only 18 months. Italian Socialist Republic
The Passport
is a hard-cover type, brown and with a golden imprint, and has 32 pages. Considering that this state existed only briefly, we can assume not many of these passport types have been issued and even less have survived the 75 years until today. What is somehow special is that this travel document was issued at the Italian consulate in Berlin in September 1944, was valid until September 1945, and includes a German residence permit issued in Berlin, valid until 1946. Italian Socialist Republic
The bearer of the passport was a woman in the name of Irmgard Buttiron. Irmgard was born in Landsberg, Germany, in 1921, which makes her 23 years young when her passport was issued. Obviously, she was married to an Italian.
FAQ Passport History
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1. What are the earliest known examples of passports, and how have they evolved?
The word "passport" came up only in the mid 15th Century. Before that, such documents were safe conducts, recommendations or protection letters. On a practical aspect, the earliest passport I have seen was from the mid 16th Century. Read more...
2. Are there any notable historical figures or personalities whose passports are highly sought after by collectors?
Every collector is doing well to define his collection focus, and yes, there are collectors looking for Celebrity passports and travel documents of historical figures like Winston Churchill, Brothers Grimm, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Read more...
3. How did passport designs and security features change throughout different periods in history, and what impact did these changes have on forgery prevention?
"Passports" before the 18th Century had a pure functional character. Security features were, in the best case, a watermark and a wax seal. Forgery, back then, was not an issue like it is nowadays. Only from the 1980s on, security features became a thing. A state-of-the-art passport nowadays has dozens of security features - visible and invisible. Some are known only by the security document printer itself. Read more...
4. What are some of the rarest and most valuable historical passports that have ever been sold or auctioned?
Lou Gehrig, Victor Tsoi, Marilyn Monroe, James Joyce, and Albert Einstein when it comes to the most expensive ones. Read more...
5. How do diplomatic passports differ from regular passports, and what makes them significant to collectors?
Such documents were often held by officials in high ranks, like ambassadors, consuls or special envoys. Furthermore, these travel documents are often frequently traveled. Hence, they hold a tapestry of stamps or visas. Partly from unusual places.
6. Can you provide insights into the stories behind specific historical passports that offer unique insights into past travel and migration trends?
A passport tells the story of its bearer and these stories can be everything - surprising, sad, vivid. Isabella Bird and her travels (1831-1904) or Mary Kingsley, a fearless Lady explorer.
7. What role did passports play during significant historical events, such as wartime travel restrictions or international treaties?
During war, a passport could have been a matter of life or death. Especially, when we are looking into WWII and the Holocaust. And yes, during that time, passports and similar documents were often forged to escape and save lives. Example...
8. How has the emergence of digital passports and biometric identification impacted the world of passport collecting?
Current modern passports having now often a sparkling, flashy design. This has mainly two reasons. 1. Improved security and 2. Displaying a countries' heritage, icons, and important figures or achievements. I can fully understand that those modern documents are wanted, especially by younger collectors.
9. Are there any specialized collections of passports, such as those from a specific country, era, or distinguished individuals?
Yes, the University of Western Sidney Library has e.g. a passport collection of the former prime minister Hon Edward Gough Whitlam and his wife Margaret. They are all diplomatic passports and I had the pleasure to apprise them. I hold e.g. a collection of almost all types of the German Empire passports (only 2 types are still missing). Also, my East German passport collection is quite extensive with pretty rare passport types.
10. Where can passport collectors find reliable resources and reputable sellers to expand their collection and learn more about passport history?
A good start is eBay, Delcampe, flea markets, garage or estate sales. The more significant travel documents you probably find at the classic auction houses. Sometimes I also offer documents from my archive/collection. See offers... As you are already here, you surely found a great source on the topic 😉
Other great sources are: Scottish Passports, The Nansen passport, The secret lives of diplomatic couriers
11. Is vintage passport collecting legal? What are the regulations and considerations collectors should know when acquiring historical passports?
First, it's important to stress that each country has its own laws when it comes to passports. Collecting old vintage passports for historical or educational reasons is safe and legal, or at least tolerated. More details on the legal aspects are here...
Does this article spark your curiosity about passport collecting and the history of passports? With this valuable information, you have a good basis to start your own passport collection.
Question? Contact me...