SET OF 4 AUTHENTIC DDR HEADGEAR ITEM 1: Authentic DDR Border Troops Officer's Peaked Cap (Grenzschutze Schirmmütze) – Dated 1980 This is an exceptional and clearly identifiable piece of Cold War history: an original Officer's Peaked Cap (Schirmmütze) from the GDR Border Troops (Grenzschutze). This unit was infamously responsible for patrolling the inner German border and the Berlin Wall. The cap is clearly dated, making it highly desirable for collectors. Key Features and Identification: Country: German Democratic Republic (DDR / East Germany). Service Branch: Grenzschutze (Border Troops), indicated by the Field Grey crown and the official Green Waffenfarbe (piping/trim). Rank: Officer Class (Lieutenant up to Colonel), indicated by the distinctive White cap band. Emblem: Standard DDR National Emblem (Hammer, Compass, and Wreath of Grain) surrounded by a silver oak leaf wreath. Interior Markings and Date: The plastic shield inside the cap confirms its authenticity and origin: NVA: Stands for Nationale Volksarmee (National People's Army), the parent organization of the Border Troops. Size 56: (Standard cap size in centimeters). Date Code 'Y': The NVA factory code 'Y' reliably translates to the production year 1980. This dates the cap to a key period just prior to the fall of the Iron Curtain. Condition: The cap is in excellent condition consistent with minimal use. The wool blend fabric is intact, the green piping is vibrant, and the emblem is secure. This piece maintains the stiff, well-defined shape typical of high-quality East German officer's headwear. ITEM 2: Authentic East German (GDR) Officer's Peaked Cap (Schirmmütze) – Cold War Era (c. 1960s–1980s) This is a rare, original service cap worn by an officer of the German Democratic Republic (GDR / East Germany), representing a significant and instantly recognisable piece of Cold War history. Item Details: Item Type: Service Peaked Cap (Schirmmütze). Country of Origin: German Democratic Republic (GDR / East Germany). Period: Circa 1960s–1980s. Colour: Deep dark blue or black, characteristic of services such as the Volkspolizei (Vopo) (People's Police), or the Volksmarine (GDR Navy). Insignia and Symbolism (National Emblem): The most crucial feature is the metal insignia, the National Emblem of the GDR, set within an oak leaf wreath: Hammer, Compass, and Wreath of Grain: This central symbol represented the ideological union of workers, intelligentsia, and farmers—the foundation of the communist state. Oak Leaf Wreath (Eichenlaub): The classic German military symbol, here indicating an officer's rank or a high function within the specific service branch. Condition and Provenance: The cap is a classic example of the rigid, well-formed uniforms typical of the Soviet Bloc. It is in very good condition considering its age, featuring a shiny visor and an intact emblem. The fabric and the band around the base are solid and well-preserved. ITEM 3: Authentic East German NVA Winter Fur Hat (Pelzmütze) – Cold War Era This is an original and iconic piece of Cold War militaria: a standard issue Winter Fur Hat (Pelzmütze or Ushanka) worn by enlisted personnel of the Nationale Volksarmee (NVA), the armed forces of the German Democratic Republic (DDR / East Germany). This hat perfectly represents the Soviet-bloc military look and was essential for troops stationed on the inner German border during the harsh European winters. Key Features and Origin: Type: Military Winter Hat (Ushanka style with fold-down ear flaps). Country: German Democratic Republic (DDR / East Germany). Service: Nationale Volksarmee (NVA) or related uniformed services. Colour: Dark grey/charcoal outer fabric and fur trim, with a warm, grey quilted interior lining. Insignia: Badge: Features the distinctive DDR National Emblem (Hammer, Compass, and Wreath of Grain) on a round pin, affixed directly to the front fur panel. The pin is brightly coloured in the East German national colours of black, red, and gold (yellow). Details and Condition: The hat is designed with ear flaps that can be secured either under the chin for maximum warmth or folded up and fastened over the top of the crown. The interior lining includes a protective plastic sleeve, which was used for inserting the soldier's identification tag. The cap is in very good, collectible condition, with the fur remaining soft and the cloth lining intact. ITEM 4: DDR NVA Officer's / Senior NCO Garrison Cap (Schiffchen) – Grenztruppen / Border Troops This is an authentic piece of Cold War history: an original Garrison Cap (known in German as a Schiffchen) used by a high-ranking soldier or officer of the Nationale Volksarmee (NVA), the military of the German Democratic Republic (DDR / East Germany). The distinct colour and insignia connect this item to the forces responsible for internal security and guarding the Iron Curtain. Key Features and Identification: Item: Woolen Side Cap (Schiffchen), intended for daily and field duty. Country: German Democratic Republic (DDR / East Germany). Service Branch: Grenztruppen (Border Troops) or a related NVA unit, indicated by the Dark Green Waffenfarbe (branch colour) of the wool fabric. Insignia: Officer/Senior NCO Cap Badge. This metal badge features a striking silver-coloured Oak Leaf Wreath encircling the central DDR National Emblem (Hammer, Compass, and Wreath of Grain). This full badge style was reserved for higher ranks, distinguishing it from the simpler enlisted-issue pin. Condition: The cap is constructed of durable wool and is in excellent, well-preserved condition for its age. The colour is rich, and the metal badge is securely affixed and retains its silver finish. The lining and interior band show minimal wear. This is a quintessential item for collectors focused on: Cold War Militaria and Uniforms. Warsaw Pact Forces. DDR/East German history, particularly items associated with the border security forces (Grenztruppen).