Kennkarte 1945 with nice rear!

Kennkarte from 1945.

Detail: on the back there is a Soviet stamp and handwriting.

A German Kennkarte with a Russian stamp and handwriting on the back from 1945 is a remarkable historical artifact that reflects the chaotic events at the end of World War II. Here are some possible explanations for such markings on the Kennkarte:

In 1945, the Red Army had liberated or occupied large parts of Germany and surrounding territories. During their occupation, the Soviets often took over administrative tasks, including registering and monitoring the local population. A stamp or handwriting on a Kennnkarte could indicate:
- To register civilians, former soldiers, or political officials.
- In occupied territories, people often needed Soviet approval to move freely.
- Many Germans were required to work in reconstruction or, in some cases, forced labor in Soviet territories. A marking could indicate approval or registration for such purposes.

Many civilians were either fleeing or attempting to return to their homes. Russian markings might serve as:
- Proof that the person was registered by Soviet authorities.
- Notes on where the individual was supposed to go, such as a refugee camp or a controlled area.

The Soviets were deeply involved in screening the local population to:
- Identify war criminals or Nazi officials.
- Distinguish between soldiers, paramilitary groups, and civilians.

A stamp with handwriting might denote the individual's status, such as being released, arrested, or placed under supervision.

Stamps and notes were sometimes used by local Soviet administrators or military units to indicate that a Kennkarte had been checked. The Russian handwriting might include details such as a name, date, location, or specific remarks about the holder.

Conclusion
The presence of a Russian stamp and handwriting on a German Kennkarte from 1945 is likely the result of Soviet occupation and the complex administrative measures taken following Germany's surrender. This makes the document not only an identity paper but also a direct testament to the chaotic transitional period after the war. It would be a valuable artifact for historians or collectors focused on this era.