Spiv
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In the United Kingdom, a spiv is a petty criminal who deals in illicit, typically black market, goods. Spivs were particularly active during the Second World War and in the post-war period when many goods were rationed due to shortages.
An actor performing the role of a spiv selling goods "from the back of a lorry" at a 2011 historical re-enactment, complete with a look-out watching for the law
Rationing in the United Kingdom
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Rationing was introduced temporarily by the British government several times during the 20th century, during and immediately after a war.
Civilian rationing: A shopkeeper cancels the coupons in a British housewife's ration book in 1943
A First World War government leaflet detailing the consequences of breaking the rationing laws
Child's ration book, used during the Second World War
Poster for the "Dig for Victory" campaign, encouraging Britons to supplement their rations by cultivating gardens and allotments