The WW2 Russian Soviet I.D. Soldiers Bakelite Capsule is a personal identification item issued to Red Army personnel during the Second World War. Manufactured from Bakelite, an early plastic, these capsules were designed to securely store a small piece of paper containing the soldier’s personal details such as name and unit. The robust cylindrical capsule construction allowed it to be worn on a cord around the neck or carried in uniform pockets, protecting the contents from moisture and environmental damage. This practical identification method was intended for use in field conditions, providing essential information in case the wearer was killed or incapacitated. The use of Bakelite reflects the technological developments of the era, as it offered durability and resistance to elements compared to earlier materials. Original Soviet I.D. capsules remain significant both as historical artifacts and as examples of wartime personal equipment employed by Soviet forces during WW2.
