Overview
An authentic WWII War Ration Book Four issued by the Office of Price Administration (OPA) to Hettie Susan Torrey of Hays, Kansas, accompanied by 'A' gasoline mileage coupons.
Identification
WWII US Office of Price Administration War Ration Book Four & Mileage Stamps, c. 1943
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Story
Issued by the United States Office of Price Administration (OPA) around 1943 to manage wartime shortages of essential goods. This specific booklet was issued to Hettie Susan Torrey of Hays, Kansas. Book Four is particularly notable among collectors for featuring patriotic illustrations on the stamps—such as the Statue of Liberty, tanks, and aircraft carriers—rather than just alphanumeric codes. WWII ration books are common, entry-level home-front collectibles.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
The primary value factor for this item is the presence of intact, unused stamp sheets and the accompanying 'A' gasoline mileage coupons, which are confirmed present. Expected condition issues for 80-year-old ephemera include paper yellowing, minor edge wear, and staple rust.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
WWII ration books are common, entry-level home-front collectibles. Because millions were issued and many families saved them as historical keepsakes, supply remains very high. They trade frequently on broad secondhand marketplaces like eBay and Etsy, appealing to casual history buffs, ephemera collectors, and educators. Prices remain modest due to market saturation.
Value Drivers
▲ Presence of intact, unused stamp sheets featuring patriotic motifs
▲ Inclusion of supplemental 'A' gasoline mileage coupons
▲ Clear, legible local provenance (Hays, Kansas) which can attract regional collectors
Concerns
▼ High market saturation of surviving WWII ration books firmly caps the upper value
▼ Unverified paper brittleness or detached covers could push the value to the $10 floor
Best Venue
List this item on a broad marketplace like eBay or Etsy. A fast-sale price to move the item quickly would be $10 to $12. If you are willing to wait for the right buyer, an optimistic list price of $20 to $25 is achievable, especially on Etsy. Highlight the intact patriotic stamps and the specific Kansas provenance in your listing title and photos.
Upside Potential
Because these are mass-produced and heavily saved items, there is virtually no upside above the $25 mark for a single book. To exceed this range, the book would need to be bundled with other significant, related family military documents or home-front ephemera.