Peference on DDR cloth or paper ribbon bars

[redjames2004]

I am posting a thread on collector's preference on DDR cloth and paper ribbon bars. I like DDR cloth ribbon bar as my personal preference! I see DDR paper ribbon bars as cheaper alternative to DDR cloth ribbon bars. I dont like paper ribbon bars because it looks too ugly /unattractive on the tunics. I rather like cloth ribbon bars more than paper ribbon bars. I know that paper ribbon bars are printed on papers. I like to have those cloth ribbon bars on the tunics because they are very nice on uniforms. Thanks,James

[Mike G.]

Hi James,

Thank you for taking the time to construct this thread and post your thoughts regarding the different type of ribbons and their construction that were produced to represent awards and decorations presented to NVA recipients.

I think the consensus is the paper ribbons were not attractive.

However, when accessorizing a uniform I think it is "Extremely" important to keep it within "Norms". I think putting ribbons of a time period on a uniform for which normally that type of ribbon construction would not have been used, is incorrect and detracts from the purpose of collecting NVA military memorabilia in the first place.

Example: I personally think the very old ribbon bars that were constructed of a curved hard cased plastic with brass trim were the absolute most attractive of all the ribbons. But they would be totally inappropriate in most instances to use with open collar Tunics.

I like wire braided collar insignia and wire braided parade cuff bars. But again, they are inappropriate on certain uniforms produced after a certain time span.

As noted in a picture I posted one time on the forum, even General of the Army Heinz HOFFMANN on occasion wore the paper type ribbons encased in plastic.

Just a side note: The cloth ribbons about which you make reference did make a comeback - particularly with very high ranking officers that had many awards and decorations. However, they were affixed to a cloth backing of the same material and color as the Tunic to which they were to worn, and then they were sewn in place on the Tunic.

[redjames2004]

Hi Micheal, Yup I had seen DDR Generals and other NVA high-ranking officers wearing big cloth ribbon bar rack on their uniforms. Most NVA Generals and Admirals often wore cloth ribbon bars on their uniforms,but I had seen some NVA Generals wore paper ribbon bars that was encased in hard plastic. Please post your picture of NVA General Hoffmann wearing his paper ribbon bar on his uniform so I can see him wearing this such paper ribbon bar. Thanks! James

[Mike G.]

James,

It can be found here .....

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...ad.php?t=62786

[redjames2004]

Micheal, Thank much for posting this older thread on VERY cheesy DDR NVA paper ribbons! Now I see General Hoffmann wearing this such ugly paper ribbon bar covered in clear plastic. I saw Hoffmans big cloth ribbon bar rack and its really much better than paper ribbon bar rack. By the way, Its my 600th post on WAF! Thank much! James