Germans were required to trace back their blood lines to insure they were of german origin (not Jewish or Slav). The Ahnenpaß contained a recorded history of relatives, marriages, births and deaths. Few are found with more than 20% of the book completed and very many variants exist.

The Einheits Familien Stammbuch was similar to the Ahnenpass except in scope. The members roots were traced and recorded on a broader scale. Showing the individual as a single part of a whole. A link in the family chain.

(Courtesy of Andreas K. Odemer)