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East Germany, GDR (DDR). Uniform of an Unterleutnant from the Guard Regiment “Friedrich Engels” (Wachregiment “Friedrich Engels”, Nationale Volksarmee NVA No. 1)
The uniform consists of a service tunic with Unterleutnant shoulder boards and collar tabs, a marksman’s cord, and the cuff title “Wachregiment Friedrich Engels.” It also includes a leather map case and a leather holster for a pistol «Pistole M», the german version of the Makarov pistol. Trousers and shirt included.
The “Friedrich Engels” Guard Regiment was an elite unit of the GDR’s National People’s Army (Nationale Volksarmee, NVA), active between 1962 and 1990, dedicated both to ceremonial functions and security duties in East Berlin. It performed the Grand Changing of the Guard, guarded the Memorial to the Victims of Fascism and Militarism at the Neue Wache, took part in state receptions and official funerals, and maintained security in key government buildings. The regiment consisted of seven companies—three ceremonial and four guard companies—whose soldiers carried SKS rifles and wore a distinctive cuff title bearing the name of the regiment. The unit was disbanded after German reunification.
