Good day all…I am posting four images of MfS anniversary badges. I know that a lot of forum members have seen and even may have the XX, XXV, XXX, XXXV, and <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:cs:smarttags" /><st1:NumConv6p0 val="40" sch="1">40</st1:NumConv6p0> year anniversary badges, but what I want to do is add these images that there are other versions to these badges if you come across that can add a lot to your collection.
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Last edited by R Pickard; 09-11-2004, 08:46 AM.Somebody, after all, had to make a start. What we wrote and said is also believed by many others. They just don't dare express themselves as we did. Quote - Sophie Scholl - White Rose resistance group -
Part two...
Two versions to the twenty year badge.Somebody, after all, had to make a start. What we wrote and said is also believed by many others. They just don't dare express themselves as we did. Quote - Sophie Scholl - White Rose resistance group -
Part three
Two versions to the MfS Honorary - Foreigner anniversary badge with no roman numerals.Somebody, after all, had to make a start. What we wrote and said is also believed by many others. They just don't dare express themselves as we did. Quote - Sophie Scholl - White Rose resistance groupComment
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Final part...
Three different color types of the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:cs:smarttags" /><st1:NumConv6p0 val="40" sch="1">40</st1:NumConv6p0> year badge and from my understanding they were never issued.Somebody, after all, had to make a start. What we wrote and said is also believed by many others. They just don't dare express themselves as we did. Quote - Sophie Scholl - White Rose resistance groupComment
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Your observation about the three uniquely colored badges is correct. They were referred to as "Muster" badges. A small quantity of examples of each were produced for further consideration. They were rejected in favor of the types that eventually went into full production.
Very nice collection, by the way.
Michael D. GALLAGHER
M60-A2 Tank Commander Cold War proverb: “You can accomplish more with a kind word and a ‘Shillelagh’ than you can with just a kind word.”Comment
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Hello all...I am coming back to this thread on STASI anniversary badges and I now believe that the three 40 year colored badges were not MUSTER badges (Example/sample badges) and this is my reasoning…which could be off the mark.
I have been thinking about this for about a month and now come to believe with I think good reason that the colored badges were going to be presented during the 40th anniversary. Overall the anniversary badges were presented to reflect the STASI anniversary and in this case for the 40th anniversary which would have been February 1990. AND I am not even sure at this time that the STASI held its 40th Anniversary in February 1990.
Let me go back to late 1989 when the MfS was in turmoil and was disbanded and a new organization was stood up in it place known as the Office of National Security (AfNS) which in turn from late 1989 through 1990 had become a huge transition phase for the overall organization until the complete collapse of the DDR. With that said, the AfNS had to deal with a new front that they were not used to and that was its own people. So I believe that it would have been awkward to be presented any type of award or badges marked MfS when the organization was known as the AfNS and in survival stage. Plus, these badges or for that matter or any other award and document were not constructed or mass produced over night and so would have been made during the timeframe of 1988 or 1989 for preparation for the February 1990 anniversary which in this case was the 40th.
Another reason in my belief that these badges were going to be presented is that I have quite a few of the colored badges in my possession and if the badges were meant to be MUSTER items they would not have produced the amount I currently own ((currently own over 15 of two out of the three badges)).
For me…I believe if the DDR had collapsed in 1991 instead of 1990, it would be a lot easier to answer this post.Somebody, after all, had to make a start. What we wrote and said is also believed by many others. They just don't dare express themselves as we did. Quote - Sophie Scholl - White Rose resistance groupComment
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John,
All of the different East German publications I own refer to the three "Colored" 40 year anniversary badges as "Muster" (loosely translated - samples or examples). The books further indicate they were not actually issued. Many medals and badges that were so called "Muster" were produced in quantities that we would find unusual. Can't say why, only that they were. But where you have a handfull of examples of the three "Colored" types, there are German Sellers in Germany who have examples of the "Uncolored" 40 Year badge in numbers that are of such quantity, their kids will probably be selling them to our grandkids. And the badge was issued - but it was the "Uncolored" version.
There are things relevant the collecting of DDR Memorabilia that sometimes defy explanation, and I just chalk it up to the fact so little was written down or survived, and no one that was there is interested in reconstructing the scenario so that people who have an interest can research this stuff and gain a full and comprehensive understanding.
There is for example a badge called the "Postenfuhrerabzeichen der Deutschen Grenzpolizei", which was to be issued and worn by a Grenzpolizei similiar to fashion of that by the Grenztruppen Soldat that was in charge of a section of Grenz patrolling the wall. It in fact was never even produced, let alone issued. In other words, no "Muster" variant was produced. And yet, today, that very badge is available for purchase from many different sources. All of the badges looked like they were produced only hours ago, but just the same, they are out there. Either a die for casting and production of these badges was in fact produced, but never used, and someone now has it, or someone artfully recreated a die from drawings and is now producing a very good version of it.
So who really knows about this stuff. The 3 "Colored" badges to which you make reference may in fact have been produced. All I can say is that several different East German publication sources indicate they were "Muster". That of course, as we all know, is not set in stone.
What is significant, is that you have them.
Michael D. GALLAGHER
M60-A2 Tank Commander Cold War proverb: “You can accomplish more with a kind word and a ‘Shillelagh’ than you can with just a kind word.”Comment
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Maybe one possible explanation for the colored badges is that they were produced for limited distribution (for example, maybe certain high level Stasi officers in various commands.) This would explain why there are, as you mentioned, more than would appear necessary for prototypes, but yet not as many as the run-of-the-mill 40 Year gray badge. Opinions?Originally posted by R PickardComment
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Hey Mike and Chuck...thanks for the replies...
Mike...crystal clear on what you are saying about MUSTER items...and I think Chuck makes a good point and I think it is better then mine that they may have been made in limited numbers for certain STASI personal. Now I also agree with you Mike about how plentiful the white anniversary badges are...but right now I am on the fence and leaning in the direction that the colored colored badges where not MUSTER items...
Mike...you have now stumped the chump...in ref to any books that talk about these badges...could you refresh my memory in where the infomration is located about the colored badges.
Also in ref to anniversary badges...A reason I believe that the STASI did not have their 40 year anniversary was because of the transition going on in the organization. One belief in this...I have been hunting down the 40 anniversary card that goes with the badge for a few years and to date I have come up empty...Somebody, after all, had to make a start. What we wrote and said is also believed by many others. They just don't dare express themselves as we did. Quote - Sophie Scholl - White Rose resistance groupComment
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Hi Ralph and Chuck,
I absolutely agree with both of you that it is not only possible, but very likely the "Colored" Stasi 40th Anniversary badges were produced in limited quantity for special distribution. The reason? The fact that a). They are identical in appearance to the plain vanilla 40th Annivesary badge; and b). They were produced in 3 colored versions.
That brings up an interesting point. There had to be a reason for the specific colors, ie: red, blue and black. I'm at a complete loss here.
And as you pointed out Ralph, the absence of the Cards, thereby indicating they did not have a 40th Anniversary Celebration, unfortunately means we most probably will never find out..........unless..........one of you two guys will volunteer to meet with and speak to WOLF on this subject. Draw straws, and let me know who wins, cause I got-a-lot-a questions for you to take when you go.
Last edited by Panzer Fuehrer; 11-20-2004, 02:52 PM.Michael D. GALLAGHER
M60-A2 Tank Commander Cold War proverb: “You can accomplish more with a kind word and a ‘Shillelagh’ than you can with just a kind word.”Comment
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Hey Mike...In ref to talking to Wolf...I will put it on my Christmas to do list...and get back with you...
I will also have to get back with you about your question on the colors...lets say in about five years. I am still doing baby steps in putting a picture together on these badges...
Somebody, after all, had to make a start. What we wrote and said is also believed by many others. They just don't dare express themselves as we did. Quote - Sophie Scholl - White Rose resistance groupComment
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I always figured that, given the quality and quantity of Ralph's Stasi collection, he and Herr Wolf were on a first name basis. Now the truth finally comes out!Originally posted by R PickardHey Mike...In ref to talking to Wolf...I will put it on my Christmas to do list...and get back with you... 
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Where were the anniversary badges worn on the uniform and when? Were they only worn during the year of that anniversary?Comment
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These badges were worn during the anniversary. There is evidence that shows these badges being worn on both uniforms and civilian suits. Further, there was no specific spot for the badge, however the badge was seen worn a lot on the right side of the tunic.
More photos can be found in the reference books...STASI Decorations and Memorabilia Volumes I and II.
Somebody, after all, had to make a start. What we wrote and said is also believed by many others. They just don't dare express themselves as we did. Quote - Sophie Scholl - White Rose resistance groupComment
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