Vintage Commemorative Badge - 25th Anniversary of the Ministry for State Security (MfS / Stasi) - East German Army (GDR) Military Surplus - 1975 - Good Condition

      Original commemorative badge issued in 1975 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Ministry for State Security (Ministerium für Staatssicherheit - MfS), commonly known as the Stasi, the state security and intelligence service of the German Democratic Republic (GDR / East Germany).

      This badge was produced to commemorate the institution's anniversary and was worn by members of the Ministry for State Security during official anniversary events.

Specifications

• Country of origin: German Democratic Republic (GDR / East Germany)
• Year of issue: 1975
• Institution: Ministerium für Staatssicherheit (MfS – Stasi)
• Material: enameled metal
• Dimensions: approximately 4.3 × 2.8 cm
• Attachment: pin fastening on the reverse

Description

      The badge is shield-shaped and features the Roman numeral "XXV" at the top, symbolizing the 25th anniversary of the Ministry for State Security.

      The lower section bears the inscription:

"MINISTERIUM FÜR STAATSSICHERHEIT"

Translated as:

"Ministry for State Security."

      The center of the badge displays the flag of the German Democratic Republic, bearing the national coat of arms. On the left side is a hand holding a rifle with a bayonet, symbolizing the defense of the socialist state and the role assigned to the Ministry for State Security in protecting the regime.

Historical Background

      The Ministry for State Security (Ministerium für Staatssicherheit – MfS), commonly known as the Stasi, was the state security and intelligence service of the German Democratic Republic, established on 8 February 1950.

      To commemorate its 25th anniversary, commemorative badges such as this one were issued in 1975 for members of the Ministry and participants in the official anniversary celebrations.

      Some examples were also presented to senior officials within the regional MfS administrations. For example, documented specimens are known from the estate of the First Deputy Head of the MfS District Administration in Frankfurt (Oder).

Condition

      The badge is original and in good condition, showing normal signs of use and age consistent with an authentic GDR-era collectible.

      Today, this badge is sought after by collectors of militaria, GDR badges and decorations, as well as enthusiasts of Cold War history and the former East Germany.

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.