East German Police Service Stripes

East German Police Service Stripes are insignia used by the Deutsche Volkspolizei (German People’s Police) of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) during the period from 1945 to 1990. These service stripes, typically made from woven or embroidered cloth, were worn on uniform sleeves to indicate years of service or rank within the police force. The design and color of the stripes varied according to specific regulations enacted during different periods of the GDR’s existence, with common colors including green or silver-grey on a dark background. Service stripes played a role in the structured hierarchy of the Volkspolizei and were an essential element of uniform protocol. These items represent the broader system of decoration and identification used by state security services in East Germany. East German Police Service Stripes are of interest to collectors of Cold War-era insignia and provide context on uniform traditions within Eastern Bloc countries. Each item typically exhibits period-appropriate materials and stitching techniques.