National Registration Identity Card

[BumbleB]

I've just discovered my original National Registration Identity Card from 1942.   

Inside are a number of small paper labels giving my registered address at any given time.  However, they are all glued down onto each other and I'd love to separate them, so that I can trace my addresses between 1942 and 1945.

Does anyone have an idea on separating the papers?  As the new addresses are written in ink, I don't think that any kind of dampness could be employed, but how do I do it?

[Milliepede]

Ah I was about to suggest dampness (steaming) but as you say that would risk the ink 

Can you tell how many layers there are?

[BumbleB]

I believe there are four layers of paper on top of the card.

[Milliepede]

Long shot but is it possible to read through the top layer, like if you held it up to the light or something? 

I'm sure there must be some solution out there someone will have used before. 

[BumbleB]

I can guess that the next to the top one is an address in Little Budworth as I can see the outline of Tarporley, and that the bottom paper one - which is the most intriguing - is Halifax.  OK both my parents came from Halifax originally, and one grandmother remained in Halifax, the other grandparents moved to Little Budworth.  I expected the original Chester address (on the card itself), and the two Little Budworth addresses, but the others?    I'm just bl...y nosey 

[rosie99]

I don't suppose a hairdryer would soften the glue after all this time.

The card I have from 1948 has 4 spaces for change of address so luckily no sticky labels. We only moved once though.   

Rosie

[Milliepede]

I would be nosey too    Typical the bottom one is the most intriguing one!

Have you tried cautiously lifting a tiny corner to see just how stuck the papers are?
Maybe the sticky has dried after all this time and become brittle. 

[BumbleB]

Unfortunately for me they used excellent glue in those days.  Even a scalpel doesn't do much, and now the paper is rather brittle.  Ah, well 

[BumbleB]

Sorry Rosie I missed your reply - I'll have a go!!!