Hans Beimler Medal - Bronze Class - FDJ - Free German Youth - East German (GDR) Military Surplus - Good Condition

       Original "Hans Beimler" medal awarded within the FDJ (Freie Deutsche Jugend - Free German Youth) organization of the German Democratic Republic (GDR).

       This medal was presented to the winners of the Hans Beimler Competition, organized by the FDJ, and represents an authentic collectible from the period of the German Democratic Republic.

       The obverse depicts Hans Beimler (1895–1936), a German trade union leader and communist politician who volunteered with the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War, where he was killed in action on the Madrid front. The design is based on one of the best-known photographs of Beimler taken during the conflict.

Specifications

• Country of origin: German Democratic Republic (GDR / East Germany)
• Organization: FDJ (Freie Deutsche Jugend – Free German Youth)
• Type: commemorative medal / competition award
• Class: Bronze
• Material: metal
• Dimensions: approximately 4.6 × 2.7 cm (some variants measure approximately 4.4 cm in height)
• Attachment: suspended medal

Reverse

       The medal exists in two variants, supplied at random:

• Variant 1: plain reverse without inscription, featuring a textured (granular) finish.
• Variant 2: reverse bearing the inscription "Bester im Hans Beimler-Wettkampf der FDJ", translated as "Best in the Hans Beimler Competition of the FDJ (Free German Youth)", with a smooth finish.

       Both variants are original examples from the German Democratic Republic and differ only in the reverse finish and inscription.

Historical Background

       Hans Beimler (1895–1936) was a German communist activist, member of the Reichstag, and one of the first German volunteers to serve with the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War. Following his death in the fighting around Madrid, the GDR elevated him as a symbol of the anti-fascist struggle.

       In his memory, the FDJ (Free German Youth) organized competitions and educational activities for young people, and the Hans Beimler Medal was awarded to participants who achieved outstanding results.

Condition

       The medal is original and remains in good condition. It may show minor signs of storage or use consistent with an authentic item from the GDR period.

       It is an attractive collectible for enthusiasts of militaria, medals, and insignia of the German Democratic Republic, as well as for collectors interested in the Cold War and the FDJ.

      The medal commemorates Hans Beimler, a German communist who fought in the Spanish Civil War. The upper part features crossed rifles as a decorative element and is made of bronze or a bronze-colored metal alloy.

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.