Help with Soviet Topographical Troops Uniform

[dj_errant]

When I purchased this uniform, it came without a visor cap. From what I can gather, this is a Lt of the Topographical Troops (or can this insignia denote any technical/engineering type troop?).

Since the Topographical Troops collar insignia was red, I assumed that the blue/red parade cap was the correct choice.

Can anybody verify that I have this correct? It's hard to find any info on the Topographical Troops.

Maybe the standard Blue/Black Parade cap is correct instead? Blue/Black correct according to the "Hat Recognition" post on this forum (Army Technical Troops) ... but looks funny with the red collar insignia? Maybe the red collar boards are not correct, but the crossed pipe-wrench insignia was affixed before sewing (they don't protrude through the collar ... so it doesn't look like something that was just randomly added to sell the uniform) .

[Tretov]

I get the impression that the collar tabs, shoulderboard edges and cap are brick red (maroon) rather than bright red? The topography branch does indeed have the hammer and wrench insignia, but with a red star in the center. If yours do not have this, I tend to believe that the uniform is a MVD firefighters uniform. If you look at mr. Snoboks sale of last week, you will see the same hammer and wrench insignia, without the star, on maroon patch, in top left corner. http://www.soviet-awards.com/forum/s...html#post79782

[dj_errant]

Thanks for the info ... this one does not have the star in the center ... here's a closeup ... sorry it's not very clear.

[dj_errant]

You're spot on ... it's definitely brick colored ... here's a comparison with a (Enlisted Militsija?) collar tab I have.

[Tretov]

This is definately an MVD uniform. Nice! :thumbsup

[dj_errant]

Hope he/she wasn't a liquidator:rolleyes:

Of course, I doubt anybody did cleanup in their parade uniform.

I'm still not sure if I have the right hat ... the one I have seems to match, but I think it may just be because it's a bit old and dirty. I'll have to check again in the sunlight.

Thanks for the help!

[Tretov]

Originally Posted by dj_errant

Hope he/she wasn't a liquidator:rolleyes:

Of course, I doubt anybody did cleanup in their parade uniform.

I'm still not sure if I have the right hat ... the one I have seems to match, but I think it may just be because it's a bit old and dirty. I'll have to check again in the sunlight.

Thanks for the help!

To me it looks like the correct maroon coloured cap.

[DougD]

DJ,

Welcome to the forum and thanks for posting your images! Tretov is one of our best guys for postwar uniforms, so I am glad he was able to help you out.

DougD
Moderator

[dj_errant]

Thanks for the ID on the uniform ... I have a nice Technical School Graduate badge and an Irreproachable Service Medal for MVD that I can add (10yrs) ... but for a Lt. I think the 15 yrs medal would be pushing it. Did the Soviet military extend service for officers who aren't promoted ... i.e. did guys retire as Captains and Lieutenants?

Any other suggestions (appropriate for the rank) to build up the uniform for display? Maybe a VKLSM membership badge and a few jubilee medals (would MVD wear the labour version or the military version?)

Thanks again

[Tretov]

Originally Posted by dj_errant

Thanks for the ID on the uniform ... I have a nice Technical School Graduate badge and an Irreproachable Service Medal for MVD that I can add (10yrs) ... but for a Lt. I think the 15 yrs medal would be pushing it. Did the Soviet military extend service for officers who aren't promoted ... i.e. did guys retire as Captains and Lieutenants?

Any other suggestions (appropriate for the rank) to build up the uniform for display? Maybe a VKLSM membership badge and a few jubilee medals (would MVD wear the labour version or the military version?)

Thanks again

10 years would be enough... Technical school graduation badge is also fine, but for jubilee medals, unless "he" was a ww2 veteran, the answer is none. Only the 20th anniversary medal (1965) was given to non-veterans.