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Original Soviet Army Tank Troops Uniform Jacket – Cold War Era – Named Lining and Military Badges
An unusual original Soviet Army military tunic, believed to date from the 1960s–1970s, with tank troops insignia, decorative shoulder boards, military achievement badges and handwritten names inside the lining.
Of particular interest is the jacket's provenance: it was acquired directly from a soldier in Turkey around 1980 in exchange for food.
History and provenance
This jacket was acquired by my friend travelling in Turkey around 1980, together with two other Soviet military coats.
According to her recollection, the garments were obtained directly from a soldier in exchange for food, near a border town associated with a famous monastery.
The precise town, the soldier's nationality and the circumstances of the exchange have not been independently established.
The jacket has remained in private hands since that time.
Handwritten names and original markings
Inside the jacket is a pale-coloured lining bearing several handwritten inscriptions in Cyrillic, together with rectangular ink stamps.
Of particular interest are the handwritten names or initials, some of which have been deliberately crossed out.
The upper inscription appears to contain a surname or personal identification, while the lower inscription appears to be an earlier name that has been struck through.
These markings may indicate that the jacket was issued to, or used by, more than one individual during its service life.
The exact spelling of the handwritten names has not yet been conclusively established.
The lower rectangular marking appears to read Х-32 (X-32), although the precise meaning is unknown. A second, faded rectangular stamp is visible immediately above it.
The original inscriptions remain intact and have not been cleaned or altered.
Military insignia and badges
The jacket retains an interesting collection of Soviet military insignia and proficiency badges.
Collar insignia
Black collar patches with gold-coloured edging and tank emblems, identifying the Soviet armoured or tank troops.
Shoulder boards
Decorative shoulder boards with gold braid, red piping and large Cyrillic СА letters, meaning Советская Армия (Soviet Army).
Their elaborate decoration may indicate a privately embellished demobilisation uniform, a tradition among Soviet conscripts completing military service.
Military proficiency and achievement badges
Гвардия (Guards): Guards unit insignia, associated with service in a designated Guards formation.
Lenin portrait star badge: Soviet youth organisation insignia featuring Lenin, believed to be associated with the Young Pioneers.
Слава Советским Танкистам (Glory to Soviet Tankmen): Commemorative or patriotic badge celebrating Soviet tank troops.
The jacket also displays a small red enamel badge on the lapel with Soviet symbolism.
These decorations are principally military proficiency, service and commemorative badges, rather than campaign medals.
Jacket construction
Brown/Green Soviet military uniform fabric
Single-breasted front with gold-coloured star buttons
Notched lapels
Black and gold tank troops collar tabs
Decorative Soviet Army shoulder boards
Two lower flap pockets
Pale green coloured interior lining
Handwritten Cyrillic names and military stamps
Additional insignia on the upper sleeve
Original-style Soviet military badges and data-spread="false">
Chest, armpit to armpit: 50 cm
Shoulder to shoulder: 42 cm
Sleeve length: 64 cm
Overall back length: 72 cm
Weight 1.2 kgms
Condition
Vintage military condition, with no damage.
The jacket retains its distinctive badges (one badge incomplete) , shoulder boards and collar insignia.
The handwritten inscriptions, crossed-out names and ink stamps inside the lining are particularly interesting historical details.
Please examine all photographs carefully.
Collectors' interest
An unusual surviving example of Cold War Soviet military clothing, with decorative tank troops insignia, a collection of badges and a personal acquisition history dating to approximately 1980.
Of particular interest to collectors of Soviet militaria, tank troops uniforms, Soviet demobilisation clothing, Cold War memorabilia and Eastern Bloc military history.
Please note: The exact manufacturing date, original wearer or wearers, and whether all badges were attached during military service have not been independently verified. The provenance is based on the recollections of my friend who acquired the jacket direct from the soldier.
