Sometimes maligned as dowdy and underpowered, the Makarov is nonetheless a practical, low-cost alternative to pricier modern pistols—and offers a collectability that nearly anyone can enjoy.

Under the tower, a wire mesh kennel housed several East German working dogs. The dogs provided early warning of any intrusion into the border area and were the object of interest for the two men.

My brother-in-law Werner was a passionate hunter. Until his early death he lived in East Germany, called the Deutsche Demokratische Republik, or DDR (in ...

On 7th October 1989, the German Democratic Republic celebrated its 40th anniversary. The highlight was the military parade, and East Germany had a formidable military to show off. One year later, the ...

Its 100mm gun outperformed early German Leopard 1 armaments in penetration, though it was vulnerable to heat-seeking missiles developed in the Cold War.

Near the East German village of Wandlitz, nine miles to the east of Berlin, is a most unusual settlement. It is a walled-in compound of semi-forested land and wide lawns, within which sit some 20 ...