DDR Banner der Arbeit varieties

[Eric Schena]

Hi all:

To call my collection of DDR awards a collection would be generous to say the least (all I have are these two decorations and a cased Medal "K?mpfer gegen den Faschismus"). However, I did want to show two varieties of the Banner der Arbeit as I have not seen any good explanations as to the varieties. From what I have been able to find from various sources, the major varieties are thus (and I would LOVE commentary on this if any of this is incorrect):

One class (1950-1974) ? no indication of class on ribbon

? Type 1 ? Numbered on reverse, ribbon on wreath enameled, 1954-1959

? Type 2 ? Unnumbered, ribbon on wreath enameled, 1959-1968

? Type 3 - Unnumbered, ribbon on wreath painted, 1968-1974

1st Class (1974-1989)

? Type 1 ? Smooth reverse, 1974-1989

? Type 2 ? Finely pebbled reverse, 1974-1989

? Type 3 ? Coarse pebbled reverse, 1974-1989

? Type 4 ? Enamel is now paint, polyester ribbon, roughly pebbled reverse, 1989

2nd Class (1974-1989)

? Type 1 ? Smooth reverse, 1974-1989

? Type 2 ? Finely pebbled reverse, 1974-1989

? Type 3 ? Coarse pebbled reverse, 1974-1989

? Type 4 ? Enamel is now paint, polyester ribbon, roughly pebbled reverse, 1989

3rd Class (1974-1989)

? Type 1 ? Smooth reverse, 1974-1989

? Type 2 ? Finely pebbled reverse, 1974-1989

? Type 3 ? Coarse pebbled reverse, 1974-1989

? Type 4 ? Enamel is now paint, polyester ribbon, roughly pebbled reverse, 1989

Here are the two examples in my collection, both third class. The one on the left is a smooth reverse and the one on the right is a fine pebbled reverse. From the front, they appear almost identical, though it is worth noting that the oak leaf spray at the top on the smooth pebbled reverse is twice as thick as on the pebbled reverse version.

It's worth noting that both came cased: the smooth reverse one is in a rounded corner box with a black interior and the pebbled reverse one in a red interior fitted case.

Edited May 11, 2007 by Eric Schena

[Eric Schena]

The real differences are on the reverse - note especially the pin attachment differences:

[Eric Schena]

What I'd like to know is: was the smooth reverse version earlier than the pebbled back ones?

In any event, c'mon and show your versions

[Gerd Becker]

Hi Eric,

as far as i know, the examples with pebbled reverse are the later types. I hope, one of the DDR-specialist can confirm that.

best.,

Gerd

[Ed_Haynes]

Nice thread, Eric. Thanks for this. the BdA is one of my friends.

The breakdown you have given, is essentially, what Bartel shows, though maybe we could do for his classifications what we have done elsewhere for Battushig's Mongolian nomenclature. I think your dates are the same as his (need to check), but, again, maybe we can do better.

If no one beats me to it, I shall bring my specimens on home leave and add some scans.

Thanks again!

[Ed_Haynes]

Actually, to clarify from Bartel:

Single-class:

? Type 1 ? Numbered on reverse, ribbon on wreath enameled, suspension 39.0 x 38.2 mm, 1955-19??

? Type 2 ? Numbered on reverse, ribbon on wreath enameled, suspension 41.8 x 36.8 mm, 19??-1959

? Type 3 ? Unnumbered, ribbon on wreath enameled, banner with narrow striations, 1959-1968

? Type 4 ? Unnumbered, ribbon on wreath enameled, banner with broad striations, 1969

? Type 5 ? Unnumbered, ribbon on wreath lacquered, banner with broad striations, 1970-74

? Type 6 - Unnumbered, ribbon on wreath painted, suspension 36.8 x 36.3 mm, 1975

Three-class:

? Type 1 ? Smooth reverse, 1974-19??

? Type 2 ? Finely pebbled reverse, 19??-1989

? Type 3 ? Enamel is now paint, polyester ribbon, roughly pebbled reverse, 1989

(And someone with a better technical German vocabulary than I might do better than this??)

Edited May 11, 2007 by Ed_Haynes

[Eric Schena]

Thanks, Ed, for the clarification from Bartel - this is exactly the info for which I was hoping to get. I don't have a copy (a deficiency in my library that needs to be rectified...as soon as I can find one). Since I've not yet seen any serious discussion of the varieties, I am really looking forward to see what you bring forth

If I can get some decent scans, I'll post the cases in which these came. I have to say that I like the smooth reverse version - seems somewhat better made.

Cheers,

Eric

[ehrentitle]

The type of pin catch on the back also aids in identifying age. The medal with the rolling lock catch is earlier than the one with the U shaped catch which normally indicates last issue medals from 89-90. Kevin

[Ed_Haynes]

Wow, this thread died fast. Too fast. Here are a few of mine to breathe soime life back into it, I hope.

First class, Bartel type 6h (19??-89), cased but no document

Edited May 23, 2007 by Ed_Haynes

[Ed_Haynes]

A second class, Bartel 7h (19??-89).

[Ed_Haynes]

This one is also cased and, very interestingly, documented, to Liane Neumann. While (being unnumbered) you can never be 100% sure that these match, this could place this badge to a 1 May 1984 award.

[Ed_Haynes]

Another 2nd class, but this a Bartel type 7i (1989).

[Ed_Haynes]

While uncased, this one is documented (same caveats as before), to Wilhelm Katten, 1 May 1988. If (IF) these match, this can give us a revision to Bartel's dates.

[Ed_Haynes]

And, since it is here, a sad, single, documented, uncased third class, Bartel 8g (1974-??). Just to complete the "set" (not quite, but . . .).

[Ed_Haynes]

All have their ribbon bars, though and, having these out, I see significant differences -- things that I/we need to look/think more about?

[Ed_Haynes]

And, while this scan may not work due to the robust structure of the pin, here are the reverses (1 / 2 / 3). The second class is Neumann's.

Edited May 23, 2007 by Ed_Haynes