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Offered is an original Cold War-era East German border marker plaque bearing the national emblem and the inscription DEUTSCHE DEMOKRATISCHE REPUBLIK (German Democratic Republic).
This substantial metal plaque is the type displayed on the distinctive striped border marker posts that once identified the frontier between communist East Germany and West Germany.
Historical Significance and Provenance
According to the original seller’s account, this plaque was removed in August 1975 by an American soldier serving with the U.S. Army’s 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (11th ACR) while conducting border patrol duties in the Fulda Gap region of West Germany.
The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, famously known as the Blackhorse Regiment, was responsible for monitoring a strategically critical portion of the Iron Curtain. Its soldiers routinely patrolled the border, observing Warsaw Pact activities and providing early warning of potential Soviet or East German military movements.
The plaque reportedly originated near Observation Post Alpha (OP Alpha), one of the most famous American observation posts of the Cold War. Located along the border in the Fulda Gap region, OP Alpha overlooked an area widely considered one of the most likely invasion routes for Soviet and Warsaw Pact armored forces advancing into West Germany.
Original 1975 Inscription
The reverse bears a handwritten inscription identifying the reported removal location as Mittelaschenbach / Nüst in the Fulda Gap region, together with the date August 1975.
The accompanying map identifies the reported location along the former East-West German border near Mittelaschenbach and Nüsttal.
The reverse also retains remnants of colored paint and material around the mounting points, consistent with its former attachment to a border post.
Condition
The plaque exhibits wear consistent with its age and reported outdoor use, including surface scratches, minor bending, paint remnants, and damage around the mounting points.
The lower mounting area retains hardened material associated with its previous attachment. The raised East German national emblem and lettering remain clearly visible.
A small white identification label on the reverse was added by me after purchasing the plaque to preserve the provenance information supplied by the previous seller. This label is not original to the Cold War period.
An Impressive Cold War Historical Artifact
This plaque represents one of the most recognizable physical symbols of the Iron Curtain, the fortified border that divided Germany and Europe for decades.
Its reported association with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, the Fulda Gap, and a specific border patrol location makes it especially interesting to collectors of U.S. Army Cold War history, East German militaria, Warsaw Pact artifacts, and original Iron Curtain memorabilia.
The plaque is offered as pictured, together with the provenance information supplied when I originally acquired it. The soldier’s identity and circumstances of removal have not been independently documented.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.
Before You Purchase – Please Take a Moment to Review
I’ve been an seller for over 25 years and take pride in accurate listings, careful packing, and great customer service. My goal is always a smooth transaction and a happy buyer.
Please keep the following in mind when purchasing collectible and vintage items:
• This is a historical/collectible piece — not a new retail item — so normal signs of age and use should be expected.
• The photos are of the exact item you will receive and are a major part of the description, so please review them carefully.
• I do not use stock photos unless clearly stated. If you need additional photos or have any questions, I’m always happy to help before purchase.
• Lighting, camera equipment, and individual screen settings can cause slight differences in how colors and finishes appear in person.
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