Combat Order "For Merit To The People And Fatherland".

[Ralph Pickard]

the ones with a locking clasp were phased out most likely when stocks were used up during the 1970s.

Originally Posted by Hagen

Thanks Ralph,

I was a bit surprised at the simplicity of the pin, I was expecting something a bit more substantial.

The medal itself has a good 'heft' to it. I'm very pleased with it.

[Hagen]

Originally Posted by Ralph Pickard

the ones with a locking clasp were phased out most likely when stocks were used up during the 1970s.

Thanks for the pointers Ralph. So once the locking clasps were used up that was that, no matter the award.

[Ralph Pickard]

Hagen - I wish it was a simple yes or no. However let me attempt to answer your question. Overall, as the medal would have been produced the newer clasp would have been used. However, some older stocks of medals were known to have been awarded with older clasps on the five sided ribbon hanger. While the newer clasps were being used on the newer produced medals.

Originally Posted by Hagen

Thanks for the pointers Ralph. So once the locking clasps were used up that was that, no matter the award.

[Hagen]

Originally Posted by Ralph Pickard

Hagen - I wish it was a simple yes or no. However let me attempt to answer your question. Overall, as the medal would have been produced the newer clasp would have been used. However, some older stocks of medals were known to have been awarded with older clasps on the five sided ribbon hanger. While the newer clasps were being used on the newer produced medals.

Got it! :thumbsup Thanks Ralph.

Mike

[Ralph Pickard]

Hello all - This Kampforden medal grouping belonged to a former senior MfS officer. He was presented the bronze medal in 1972, the silver medal in 1978 and his gold medal in 1981.

[desantnik]

Ralph, I've seen these advertised with the unissued red ribbon on the notable auction site. I know they were manufactured and never awarded in the event of a future armed conflict, but can you comment on the legitimacy of what is being offered - are they genuine?

[Ralph Pickard]

Hello Desantnik - thanks for your question. The medals with the five sided red and yellow lines are genuine even though they were never awarded. I know of a fellow DDR medal collector and friend in Germany who has shown me both the brown and yellow and red and yellow strip medals. :thumbsup