WWII Ration Book - Standard Issue Civilian Reproduction
- In stock, ready to ship
Military Clothing Size Guide (Click to Expand)
Military clothing sizes are listed as Height / Chest (for jackets and smocks) or Height / Waist (for trousers).
Example: 180/96 fits someone around 5'11" tall with a 38" chest.
| NATO Size (Label) | Approx Height | Chest / Waist (in) | Generic Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160 / 88 | 5'3"–5'5" | 34–35" | Small (S) |
| 170 / 88 | 5'7"–5'9" | 34–35" | Small (S) |
| 170 / 96 | 5'7"–5'9" | 37–38" | Medium (M) |
| 180 / 96 | 5'10"–5'11" | 37–38" | Medium (M) |
| 180 / 104 | 5'10"–5'11" | 40–41" | Large (L) |
| 190 / 96 | 6'2" | 37–38" | Medium (M) Tall |
| 190 / 104 | 6'2" | 40–41" | Large (L) Tall |
| 180 / 112 | 5'11" | 43–44" | X-Large (XL) |
| 190 / 112 | 6'2" | 43–44" | X-Large (XL) Tall |
| 200 / 120 | 6'4"+ | 46–48" | 2X-Large (2XL) |
⚙️ Sizing Tips
- The first number is your height in cm.
- The second number is your chest or waist in cm.
- Military gear is usually cut roomy for layering and movement.
- If you’re between sizes, go down for a closer fit or up for layering.
- Example: 5'11" tall with 40" chest → 180/104 (Large).
This reproduction is a faithful replica of the standard-issue ration book used by the British public during the Second World War. As a central component of the Home Front’s logistical effort, the ration book was a mandatory document for every civilian, controlling the purchase of essential food, clothing, and fuel. This reproduction provides a practical, factual look at the administrative reality of 1940s Britain, where resource management was a critical part of the national defence strategy.
Product Specifications & Features
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Authentic Design: High-quality reproduction featuring the correct period typography, layout, and paper colour associated with standard wartime issue.
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Internal Detail: Contains replicas of the original coupons and instructional text, illustrating how the points system functioned for different commodities.
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Service-Issue Quality: Produced on durable paper stock designed to withstand handling while maintaining the visual appearance of an original 1940s document.
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Educational Value: Provides a tangible link to the history of the Home Front, making it an excellent resource for schools, museums, and historical displays.
Historical Context
This document serves as a primary-source record of the British "fair shares" policy:
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The Points System: Outlines how scarce items like sugar, meat, fats, and eggs were allocated to ensure national survival.
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Government Regulation: Reflects the Ministry of Food’s role in managing the country's supply chain during the U-boat blockade.
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Civilian Responsibility: Documents the instructions issued to the public regarding the loss or misuse of the book and the legal requirements for registration with local retailers.
Realistic Use Cases
In keeping with our army surplus UK standards for functional historical gear, this ration book is ideal for:
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Historical Reenactment: An essential accessory for those portraying Home Guard, ARP personnel, or civilians in 1940s living history displays.
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Educational Instruction: A hands-on tool for teaching students about the domestic challenges, mathematics of rationing, and life during the Blitz.
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Museum & Library Exhibits: A cost-effective way to display high-detail historical ephemera without risking the deterioration of fragile original artefacts.
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Theatrical & Film Props: Period-correct paperwork for set dressing or hand-props in productions set during the Second World War.
Condition Note: This is a high-quality modern reproduction. It is designed for active use and study, offering a realistic look and feel where an original 85-year-old document would be too fragile for regular handling.
Domestic Shipping
We mainly use Royal mail 48 for items under 1kg and DPD for items over this weight. We may change this at any time dependant on service availability and destination.
We send out the majority of orders the same day of receiving upto 1pm
We also offer an express shipping service which ensures your delivery is prioritised for delivery as quick as possible and usually delivered the next working day.
We do offer Saturday delivery and timed delivery but prices are on application.
For US and Canada we mainly use Fedex priority and deliveries are usually recieved within 2 to 5 days
For EU deliveries we mainly use DPD by road and usually takes from 3 to 7 days, your parcels are not necessarily delivered by DPD in your county and the parcel may be passed to your countries nominated carrier.
Rest of the World, we have availability with all the major carriers and each is nominated dependant on the best service for the receivers destination.
If you can not get an automated shipping quote please contact us for a spot shipping quote.
If you are not entirely satisfied with your purchase, we're here to help.
You have 7 calendar days to contact us and arrange for the item to be returned which will be received by us no longer than 30 days from initial order. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused (if applicable) and in the same condition that you received it. Your item must be in the original packaging (if applicable).
There is a £3.99 charge to use our returns facility. (UK domestic only)
To return your item(s) please click here
When sending items back please ensure that the proof of purchase (or copy) is within the package with any instructions if applicable.
Once we receive your item, we will inspect it and notify you that we have received your returned item. We will immediately notify you on the status of your refund or exchange and if applicable we will initiate a refund via your original method of payment.
If you opt for an exchange we will contact you for further postage costs. (price dependant on weight/destination).
If applicable you will receive the credit within 7 days, depending on your card issuer's policies. Contact Us If you have any questions on how to return your item to us.