Diplomatic Uniforms and Insignia

[Tal Inbar]

I have some pictures from an ancient ebay auction - uniform of an ambassador of the CCCP.

I think it is unique, see the rank of marshal cccp on very irregular place. I wonder if any one saw something like this, and have pictures of a Soviet ambassador in such a magnificent uniform.

The rank on the lapel - is ALL soviet ambassadors has that insignia, or a retired marshal cccp who turned into an ambassador has it? Why the unusual place?

Ambassador / senior diplomat hat badge. brass, 63mm wide.

The Soviet ambassador in Tehran - the only picture I found so far:

The description is from the VERY GOOD site: under the red star (cap museum - see reference materials section).


Although poorly known in the West, the USSR maintained a uniformed Diplomatic Service from 1943 to 1954. All diplomats and attaches had their own uniforms, with appropriate ranks and insignia. Black uniforms were most commonly seen but white "summer" versions also existed.

In 1954, uniform wear was officially terminated, although special ceremonial uniforms were preserved for diplomats in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This white uniform cap is undated, but is probably from the 1980's. Both band and crown are made of white cloth with yellow piping. Of note: yellow piping is, to my knowledge, only found on Diplomatic officials caps. The quality of manufacture equates to that of a general's cap: silk lining, leather sweatband, visor buttons with embossed Great Seal of the USSR and patent leather visor. Normal officer gold cords are worn and the special, last model diplomat emblem (crossed quill pens with star) is pinned to the band.