KGB Visors

[Al-muell]

That would be a good explaination. Altough before they differed from one another by the collar emblem - standard militia state seal vs. justice service shield and swords.

[Commissar]

Thanks Mad Zombie Lenin for the insight and all you other guys with your extensive knowledge!

But for 70 bucks plus shipping I might pass on it until more of them show up, I've seen them en masse before so maybe they'll appear again.

[Al-muell]

Back to the cap - I have just obtained a 1987militia regulation book published in 1991 and it does not show royal blue bands, but it does show shield and swords as a symbol of the investigative branch, so If the story behind the blue-banded caps is true, they have to be late 1991 (like july-august) Soviet or totaly post-soviet or at least they were never introduced (as I said have seen one dated 1990, so it was either planned to be introduced or it was a fake).

[deValcourt]

Originally Posted by Al-muell

Back to the cap - I have just obtained a 1987militia regulation book published in 1991 and it does not show royal blue bands, but it does show shield and swords as a symbol of the investigative branch, so If the story behind the blue-banded caps is true, they have to be late 1991 (like July-august) Soviet or totally post-soviet or at least they were never introduced (as I said have seen one dated 1990, so it was either planned to be introduced or it was a fake).

There was so much in the way of fantasy pieces made in 1990-1992 that in my opinion, it is really difficult to tell what was what and which ones were authentic. So much in the way of new meets old, that folks still wearing uniforms at that time tended to just wear their Soviet uniform with the "new patches" mentioned above. Just my observations.

Then again, for quite some time (until 1995 for sure), just the H&S buttons were replaced with the eagle ones on the uniforms.

Phillip

[deValcourt]

Maybe I missed it, but it just dawned on me that we don't have a "fake" section for uniforms. Perhaps it is because of the incredibly complex nature of determining authenticity of certain types of uniforms, but I'm sure there is a good reason (or I just need a new pair of glasses:).

In any case, here is a KGB "service" cap for sale on ePay and though I asked the seller lots of questions, I don't expect any answers.

Before going too far into this, remember that I am relatively new to "cloth" and have been relying on the expertise of Doug, Patrick and may others (please don't be offended if I didn't list your name:)), so this post is as much about learning as spotting a deceptive seller.

First off, I don't recall seeing "gold" chain on service caps - KGB or otherwise.

Second, the diamond seems awfully new to be even made in 1991. In fact, it doesn't look military at all. I understand that higher ranking officers had their uniforms tailored if not custom made entirely.

However, that leads me to the third observation - the markings inside suggest a privately owned business - "Ludmilla" and I know "ZAO" stands for something post-1991 and comes back in the translator as "UAB" so I think the translator program knows more than I do here.:rolleyes:

Phillip

[Commissar]

Although it looks well made, something about it seems fishy...
For instance my KGB service cap is really boring, and from 89 its still pretty much brand new.

[Tretov]

Originally Posted by deValcourt

In any case, here is a KGB "service" cap for sale on ePay and though I asked the seller lots of questions, I don't expect any answers.

First off, I don't recall seeing "gold" chain on service caps - KGB or otherwise.

Second, the diamond seems awfully new to be even made in 1991. In fact, it doesn't look military at all. I understand that higher ranking officers had their uniforms tailored if not custom made entirely.

However, that leads me to the third observation - the markings inside suggest a privately owned business - "Ludmilla" and I know "ZAO" stands for something post-1991 and comes back in the translator as "UAB" so I think the translator program knows more than I do here.:rolleyes:

Phillip

My opinion is that this is a post-1991 cap for the Belarus KGB, and I agree to your opinion on the diamond and theory on the manufacturer. I had a similar cap earlier that 'me and my bros' agreed was a Belarus cap where the insignias had been traded for Soviet ones. A nice cap, impressive and what not - but post-USSR. As for the golden cord, this is fully OK for a service cap of the 1980s (meaning that is not a bad sign in itself).

[deValcourt]

Regardless of when or where it was made, the inside is done up nicely, but the stitching up the front toward the peak isn't centered and that doesn't look good to me - even for $40.

The same seller has a helmet for sale that is either comical in error or an especially rare find. Have a look: http://www.soviet-awards.com/forum/s...tml#post139603

Phillip

[Tretov]

Originally Posted by deValcourt

Regardless of when or where it was made, the inside is done up nicely, but the stitching up the front toward the peak isn't centered and that doesn't look good to me - even for $40.

Theoretically it could be the badge that is off-center as well. :D

[Lapa]

Phillip,

I'll go along with the other opinions voiced: definitely post-soviet.

Marc