Ration card

Ration cards are documents with coupons authorising the purchase of specified quantities of rationed goods. They did not replace payment.

Norwegian history

Norway introduced rationing of goods including sugar, coffee and flour in autumn 1939. During the occupation, the scheme expanded to other foodstuffs, fuel and textiles. Rationing and the work of local supply committees continued after liberation in 1945.

Identification

Cards may show the commodity, validity period, card number and numbered coupons. Main cards and supplementary cards served different needs. Read the date on each card rather than assuming that all examples date from the war.

When describing an example, record the issuing authority, dates, commodity, stamps and surviving coupons. Note folds, cut coupons, tears and stains separately.

Source: KUBEN, Norwegian ration cards.