Abstract: An identification and information storage device, for attachment to an article to be identified, includes: a magneto-optical strip, formed on a substrate and attached to the article, which is adapted to store first information readable by the reflecting and modifying of the polarization state of a light beam directed thereon; and an optically detectable pattern portion including an optical bar code for storing second information relating to the identification of the article, wherein the magneto-optical strip is positioned in a known location relative to the optical bar code such that on visual identification of the bar code the location of the magneto-optical strip can be found.