October 31, 20187 yr #1 Deutsche Demokratische Republik (DDR), often known as East Germany, existed from 1949 to 1990. A little background: not known to many collectors, there were four distinctly different badges using the ‘diamond’ design Parachute Badge. Type I was made of silver metal and had the older black, red and yellow diamond shaped National Symbol at the bottom below the AK-47. The diamond shaped symbol was used on many of the East German air force badges. Type II DDR parachutist badge was also made of silver metal, but had the round shaped National Symbol with red in the background with hangers numbered 10 to 1500. Type III was made entirely of copper with red in the background behind the National Symbol. Type IV was also made of copper and it did NOT have the red background behind the national symbol. Numbered jump hangers, also made of copper metal, were later awarded in 30 separate increments from 10 to 6000 to recognize the number of parachute jumps made by the wearer. Both static line and military free fall jumps counted toward a total number of parachute descents.
October 31, 20187 yr Author #2 This is a complete collection of all known DDR Parachute badges including the earlier broad winged design. Also shown here are the Officer and enlisted collar tabs and beret badges.
October 31, 20187 yr Author #3 Shown here are the previous designs of DDR parachute badges. Note the black, red and yellow diamond at the top. The set of four wings was made in East Germany and they have two dish shaped nuts on threaded posts on the back for uniform attachment. The set of three wings was made in the Soviet Union and they have a single large nut on a threaded post on the reverse side.
November 1, 20187 yr Author #5 Nice collection. Are some rarer than others? Yes, while all are getting scarce these days, the early wings and the type I and II are very hard to find. The numbered hangers 250. 750, 1200 & 4500 are especially difficult. DDR ceased to exist in 1990, so just like WWII German items, these too will become even more desirable to collectors.
November 1, 20187 yr #6 An excellent collection of parachute badges. A collector can't collect unless he knows what is available. Showing these examples is very helpful for helping DDR collectors know what to look for.
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