Vintage Medal - Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi - Bronze Class, Awarded for 10 Years of Faithful Service in Education - German Democratic Republic (GDR / NVA) Military Surplus - Good Condition

      Original medal from the German Democratic Republic (GDR / East Germany) dedicated to the Swiss educator Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi, one of the most influential figures in the history of modern education.

        The Pestalozzi Medal for Faithful Service was awarded to teachers, educators, and other educational staff in recognition of long and distinguished service within the GDR education system.

Recipients

The decoration was awarded to personnel serving in:

• general education schools;
• preschool institutions;
• technical and engineering schools;
• vocational education institutions;
• workers' and peasants' schools;
• adult education centers.

Medal Classes

• Gold Class I – awarded for 40 years of service;
• Gold Class II – awarded for 30 years of service;
• Silver Class – awarded for 20 years of service;
• Bronze Class – awarded for 10 years of service.

The medal offered here is the Bronze Class, awarded for 10 years of faithful service in education.

Specifications

• Material: non-ferrous metal.
• Medal diameter: 32 mm.
• Ribbon bar dimensions: approximately 11.5 × 24.5 mm to 11.5 × 25.5 mm (version manufactured between 1973 and 1985).
• Barthel catalog number: 162 e.

Inscriptions

Obverse:
JOH. HEINR. PESTALOZZI – portrait of the Swiss educator Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi, whose educational principles had a profound influence on education in Germany and throughout Central Europe.

Reverse:
DEUTSCHE DEMOKRATISCHE REPUBLIK ("German Democratic Republic"), together with the official GDR emblem featuring a hammer and compass surrounded by a wreath of wheat ears.

Condition

      The medal is original and in good condition, showing only minor signs of use and age consistent with a collectible item. It is an authentic piece, ideal for collectors of medals, militaria, and historical artifacts from the GDR period.

Finish: matte or glossy, supplied at random depending on stock availability.

The list below shows the conditions of each item in the military surplus category.

• Like New: The item is in excellent condition and fully functional, but it may not be shipped in its original packaging. The item has not been used and does not have a warranty certificate.

• In Good Condition: The item shows minimal wear but is fully functional. It may include original or new accessories, but is not shipped in its original packaging and may have been used for testing or demonstration. Items in this category may have variations in appearance, such as differences in color shades or other minor imperfections caused by long-term storage. They do not come with a warranty certificate.

• Used: The item shows signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions properly. Items in this category may have variations in appearance, such as differences in color shades or other minor imperfections caused by long-term storage. They do not come with a warranty certificate.

• Non-functional/DECO: The item is not operational, requiring repairs or missing components. These items are typically recommended for strictly decorative use (collections/vintage) and may show variations in appearance, such as differences in color shades or other minor imperfections caused by long-term storage. They do not come with a warranty certificate.