East Germany built its military from the ground up in 1956 and made sure every soldier wore the state's entire political philosophy on his waist.

The Nationale Volksarmee was established in 1956 and this black leather service belt, designated M1956, was introduced the same year as part of the NVA's first full uniform revision. The silver plate buckle carries the DDR national emblem, officially adopted in 1955: a hammer for the workers, a compass for the intelligentsia, and a wreath of wheat for the farmers, all three wrapped together into one tidy socialist statement. It is worth noting that this was the only heraldic emblem of any European socialist state that did not include a red star, a deliberate choice that set East Germany apart from its Warsaw Pact neighbors. The silver buckle identifies this as the enlisted and NCO version. Officers wore a different style entirely.

What You Get

• Genuine East German NVA M1956 issue leather service belt
• Silver white metal stippled plate buckle with DDR national emblem
• Detachable buckle construction

Sizing

• Width: 1.75"
• Overall Length: 37"
• East German size: 90

Condition:
Military issued surplus. Good condition with honest wear consistent with genuine field service.

 
Material:
Black leather with semi-gloss finish, natural suede interior, white metal alloy DDR emblem buckle