*East Germany (DDR), Cold War – Dated 1990, Ministry of the Interior (MDI) Winter Ushanka Hat, Volkspolizei Issue, Size 54, VEB Perfekt Berlin*
A very attractive and original late Cold War East German winter ushanka hat, dated to 1990 and issued to the Ministerium des Innern (MdI – Ministry of the Interior), the organisation responsible for the Volkspolizei (People’s Police) and other internal security services of the German Democratic Republic. This is a scarce final-production example from the closing months of the DDR before German reunification, making it a particularly desirable historical piece.
Constructed in the classic East German style, the hat features the characteristic field-grey wool crown, grey synthetic fur trim (“fish fur”), fold-down ear flaps with elastic tie and front button fastening, and quilted interior lining for winter service use. These hats were designed for severe winter conditions and could be worn with the flaps secured up or down depending on weather and duty.
The interior retains clear issue markings: “MDI 54 1856 D 6.” “MDI” confirms issue to the Ministry of the Interior rather than standard NVA army issue, linking it specifically to Volkspolizei and associated internal security formations. Size “54” indicates a smaller fit, approximately UK size 6 5/8–6 3/4. Factory code “1856” identifies manufacture by VEB Perfekt Berlin, one of the principal East German state producers of military headgear. The letter code “D” corresponds to 1990 production, placing this example in the very final year of East German state manufacture prior to reunification.
Approx. Measurements – Size: 54.
History Note:
The Ministerium des Innern controlled the Volkspolizei, Transportpolizei, and various state security support organisations within the DDR. Unlike standard Nationale Volksarmee (NVA) issue, MdI-marked equipment was intended for police and internal security personnel, making these hats slightly less commonly encountered than standard army examples. A 1990-dated piece is especially interesting, representing the final phase of East German production just before the dissolution of the socialist state and the absorption of its institutions into reunified Germany.
*Condition*
A well-preserved original example with honest service wear and good overall shape. Interior markings remain clear and legible. Minor age-related wear and light storage marks present as expected, but overall a strong and displayable Cold War piece. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
A scarce and collectible final-year DDR Ministry of the Interior ushanka, particularly desirable due to its clear MdI issue markings and 1990 end-of-era dating.
JAQ
