German Russian Friendship Badge-1955

[Greg Collins]

Ralph- an image of the other side is on the auction and I've attached it here. Currently 6 bids on German e*ay. It's up to around 6.50 Euros.

Ehrentitle- so it's not the same structure... damn, I thought I was on to something here. Back to the pursuit!

[Ralph P]

Greg - Thanks for the picture of the back of the medallion.

[torstenbel]

It's the Nikolai Church, (Nikolaikirche) the oldest church in Berlin located in the Nikolai Quarter (Nicolaiviertel) area of central Berlin. The church and the restored medieval buildings around were renovated about the time this coin came out for the 750th Anniv of Berlin. It's not the twin spired building depicted in the 1953 DSF badge. Stylistically the spires are different.

you are right, the Nikolaikirche is not the one shown in the 1953 badge,..I am fairly certain the twin spire cathedral type building shown in the 1953 badge will be found somewhere in Moscow,.I just do not know where.,...Cheers, Torsten.

[MikeW]

I just googled the Berlin Quadriga, but I can't find a image with the Communist modification. I would like to see what it looks like.

According to Wilkpedia, the Iron Cross was restored after 1989.

[Kartofelpreußer]

I found some pics on my computer, I don't know for sure where I got them so apologies if they are someone else's:

Here's the current Quadriga, which reflects what the original looked like from 1814 (when the 3rd or fourth redesign of the staff was installed after it came home from France) til 1945, and then again after 1989:



And here is what the replica looked like after the DDR's modification and installation:



As you can see, the Iron Cross is missing from the wreath, and there is no eagle perched on top... I'm surprised they didn't substitute a Hammer und Zirkel where the cross had been, though I'd assume the thought crossed their minds... probably too cash-strapped.

Hope this helps.