East German Volkspolizei Faithful Service Medal III Class Bronze DDR GDR 1954
Medaille für treue Dienste in der Deutschen Volkspolizei - Medal for Faithful Service in the German People's Police, III Klasse (3rd Class, Bronze), East German Democratic Republic (DDR). Instituted 12 June 1954 by the Ministry of the Interior, this long-service decoration was awarded to members of the Volkspolizei (East German national police) for five years of faithful service. The three classes were bronze (III, 5 years), silver (II, 10 years), and gold (I, 15 years). The bronze medallion features a pebbled outer rim with radiating sunburst rays, inscribed "FÜR TREUE DIENSTE" (upper arc) and "DEUTSCHE VOLKSPOLIZEI" (lower arc). At the centre sits a small shield bearing the East German state emblem (hammer, compass, and wreath of rye), with the Roman numeral "III" below, denoting the third class. The reverse bears the GDR state emblem on a rayed background, encircled by a laurel wreath. Suspended from a woven green ribbon with three narrow vertical red stripes, the distinctive Volkspolizei colour scheme, folded into a triangular mount with brass pin clasp for uniform wear. Circa: 1954-1990 (GDR production). The design remained unchanged throughout the award's existence. The bronze finish and construction are consistent with standard DDR production of the 1960s-1980s period. Condition: Used. The bronze finish shows light surface tarnishing and oxidation, particularly on the high points of the rays and central shield. The raised inscription remains fully legible and well-defined. The reverse emblem and laurel wreath are crisp. The green ribbon retains strong colour with the red stripes clearly visible. The pin clasp hardware is intact and functional. No bends, cracks, or repairs visible. Please review all five photos for condition detail. Details: Bronze medallion, approximately 32mm diameter Obverse: "FÜR TREUE DIENSTE / DEUTSCHE VOLKSPOLIZEI", shield with GDR emblem, Roman numeral "III" Reverse: GDR state emblem on rayed background, laurel wreath border Ribbon: Green with three narrow vertical red stripes Triangular mount with brass pin clasp III Klasse (3rd Class) for 5 years faithful service No visible maker marks A genuine piece of Cold War-era East German police history. The Volkspolizei served as the national police force of the GDR from 1949 until German reunification in 1990, functioning as both a civilian police force and a paramilitary security organisation under the Ministry of the Interior. An affordable and popular entry point for collectors of Eastern Bloc and Cold War decorations. Packed carefully and dispatched same day from the UK. Explore more vintage Cold War militaria, East German medals and collectibles in our store, The Voyage Bird.