Gordon Craig

A closer view of the front of the medal.

Gents, Some weeks ago I put in a bid on a groups of DDR medals because the reserve bid price was low. I didn't bother looking at this auction again. When I received a notice that a parcel was at the post office I had not idea what it was and was surprised that when I opened the box it was this group I had bid on. Most of the medals were ones I already but the Faschismus looked interesting. I was surprised to see that all of the medals were cased because the was no mention of cases in the listing. I was especially interested in the case of the Faschismus. It was a very early wooden case with a brass latch. When I examined it I suspected that it was one of the first issue medals. Measuring the bandspange proved it. These medals were authorized on 22.02.1958. The first issue medals were bronze and silver plated. They had a 28mm bandspange and this one measured 28mm and was silver plated. My forgotten bid certainly paid off. Here are some photos.

Zsolt, Thanks for the pictures of the back of the suspensions bar. I can see the mark now where the original loop was on my suspension bar. It was very faint and obviouslt not soldered into place as well as the one you pictured. So I have a "personalized" piece which to me is just as interesting as a completely original one. The original owner could not have soldered the loose piece back into place without damaging the enamel on the front so what he/she did was probably for the best. Regards, Gordon

coinguy89, Thanks for the additional pictures. Especially of the time in service stripes on the lower left sleeve. One of the common problems with buying DDR tunics is having previous owners "adding" items. This is often done with Time in Service stripes. I have rarely seen these tunic where these stripes are original to the tunic. One way to check this is to see if they are sewn through the lining. As a general rule, they should not be sewn through the lining if they were applied correctly. I say general rule because we can never be 100% sure of anything in collecting unless we wore the uniform in service ourselves. The Time in Service stripes were implimented in 1965 and discontinued a few years later but I can not remember exactly when. Perhaps someone else can fill in that info. Regards, Gordon

Zsolt, Anything is possible. Would you send me a picture of the back of the blue suspension piece please. If the loop that attaches to the medal is glued onto the suspension piece that would make sense. Regards, Gordon

Zsolt, Thanks for the great info. I'll read up on it in the blue book. Great photos. I was aware of the medal with the blue suspension piece but I had never seen one with the ribbon until I bought one. Are the two different suspensions mentioned in the book and the time period each was used? If not, do you know anything about the two different suspensions? Regards, Gordon

Ulsterman, Thanks for the post. Regards, Gordon

We have answered USAIRFORCES question about price yet? ebay price would probable cost you about $30.00. Anyone else have any other ideas? Regards, Gordon

This one could be what it says it is but I am not familiar with this era so can not say for sure. It is listed as "Order of the Foederatio Emericana, Commanders Cross" - 1921-46. Anyone familiar with this organization? Regards, Gordon

Here are some more "unusual" pieces from the same vendor. The first one is supposed to a Knights Cross Commander Neck Order. Still, a nice order even if they got it wrong.

Alfred, Thanks for your comments. I am familiar with Meissen, more for their very collectable WWII items than anything else, and I was aware of their high prices. I'll have to see if I can compare some of the current Meissen prices, as you supplied, this piece and some of the Third Reich Meissen stuff. I don't know if I brought my Third Reich Meissen catalogue with me or not but it should make an interesting comparison project. Maybe the price for this piece, even with the damage, wasn't too far off the mark after all! Regards, Gordon

Charles, Exactly my thoughts as well. Didn't want to prejudice the answers though. I'll look for one the next time I am at Balaton provided I am focusing on the right thing. Regards, Gordon

Grant, No to the price. It didn't sell and didn't appear in the next auction. Who really knows what things like this are worth? Regards, Gordon

Richard S, It figures you would have a copy of that book. Can not be many of us who do. Charles and I refer to this book as "The Blue Bible". Regards, Gordon

You will note that there is some enamle damage around the bottom on the vase. This would detract from the overall value of any piece but probably not a lot from this specific one because I doubt that there were many made since I have only seen this one. Regards, Gordon

#6, the makers mark

#5,

#4,

#3,

#2

Genst, This item was offered through a Berlin auction house last year. It is an interesting piece because of the subject and the excellent art work. At 10,000.00 Euros, it did not sell. Regards, Gordon

coinguy89, A nice Bereitschaft police uniform. It has the correct style collar tabs for an enlisted man and matches the shoulderboards well. Barracks police had a slightly different colour of green than that used by the VOPO. The best general uniform references are Keubke's books. His first one "Uniformen der Nationalen Volkesarmy der DDR 1956-1986" would be useful if you don't speak German because there is an English translation available for it. A copy of the unpdated volum of this book "Militarische Uniformen in der DDR 1949-1990" is useful because it covers the whole period of the DDR military uniforms including the early police and the DfD. The only hat book worth buying is Wilhelm Zoller's "Kopfbedeckungen militarisch uniformierter Organizationen in Europe - Detsche Demokratische Republik 1945-1990". The neweset book on the market, and this is a reprint, is pictures of the NVA and is useful for general reference for the everyday wear of the uniform. It is, 'Die Nationale Volkesarmee' from Siegler Verlag Gmbh. Regards, Gordon

Gents, Does anyone recognize this cross? The reverse is plain only showing a rivet where the central piece is attached to the cross. The arms are 52mm (2 inches) across. Regards, Gordon

Grant, Prices could indicate rarity but I don't know that for sure. I haven't actively hunted for these medals. At least not until now! Your comment has spiked my interest and I should have these medals to complete my collection of DDR Forestry items. There are a couple of variations as well that may be more difficult to get. I'll get some info from Berlin and let you know if they really are that expensive and rare. Regards, Gordon

Third and last award.