Original East German DDR Cold War Junior Officer Belt, Buckle, and NVA Honor Dagger with Hanger Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Now this is something you don’t come across every day! This is a Belt, Buckle, and Honor Dagger from the East German Army. The so-called Honor Dagger was awarded to graduates of the East German Officers School for obtaining the first officer rank, most likely at the Friedrich Engels Military Academy.

The Friedrich Engels Military Academy was the first military institution founded in East Germany and the highest leveled military teaching and research institution. Located in Dresden, the academy was the center of military science of East Germany.

The academy was formed on January 5, 1959, to provide training and military-related studies to officers of all branches of the newly formed National People’s Army (NVA), Border Troops of the German Democratic Republic, and other security organs as well as armed forces from other nations. The academy’s training was comparable to military academies in the Soviet Union. In addition to training and research for the implementation of the defense policy of East Germany, the Friedrich Engels Military Academy also focused on the maintenance of the military-scientific heritage and the development to the center of military-scientific work.

The generals/admiral daggers of the DDR were adopted for wear in 1960. They made their first public appearance in the May Day Parade of 1961. The majority of these daggers are identical in appearance, being of lacquer-coated polished brass. However, some presentation daggers were gold-plated. This gold plating was discontinued after 1983. This example is nickel plated steel and is in near perfect condition.

The pommels of the admirals / generals daggers differed from those of lower ranking officers. They featured a DDR national logo rather than the “hammered” design used on those for the lower ranking officers like this example here.

The belt buckle has some age but it is overall in great shape. The dagger was never presented and still has a bare blade. The serial number found on the ricasso reads as 45152. There is a maker’s mark on the opposite side. The overall condition is really good and the leather washer is still perfect.

This is a fantastic complete set with belt, buckle, dagger, and the original hanger which allows the entire set to display together.

A lovely example ready for further research and display.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 9 3/4″
Overall length: 14 1/4″
Crossguard: 4 1/4”
Scabbard Length: 11”