The insignia is for "Admiral of the Fleet of the USSR", a rank that was introduced in 1955. Only three guys held it; Kuznetsov, Isakov, Gorshkov. Chernavin, who replaced Gorshkov, was not given this rank, he was a full admiral of the fleet only. The insigna first makes an appearance in 1944 when Admiral of the Fleet Kuznetsov was given the insigina even though he did not actually get the full rank. As head of the navy he wanted a full "marshals" rank. He got the insignia, but was still just "Admiral of the Fleet".
These uniforms, copies of Gorshkovs, pop up all over; I sold 2, I have seen at least 10 others. They are made up today. They are fine for display ( one of my clients bought one to wear) but have little historical value.
The $900 the seller wants is ok, nothing great; $700 would be a good deal, even as an unissued warehouse uniform.
I am not sure I understand the other question? Do you mean made up in russia today or gotten
(real) for a price? Either way the answer is "yes".
So far every uniform has shown up for sale; 1945 parade marshal, 1943 parade marshal, 1943 parade diplomatic marshal, 1945 parade admiral kuznetsov uniform, etc.
The only uniform that has yet to show up is a M1940 marshal of the USSR parade uniform. No one has been able to get one yet, and I have not evern seen one in all the museums I have been to. I am sure one will show up someday.
02-01-2004, 09:04 AM (This post was last modified: 02-01-2004, 09:13 AM by Christophe.)
Some comments on the fruit salad ...
* This Admiral of the Fleet, has no Nakhimov or Ushakov Orders or even Medals, but the Suvorov 1st Class and 2nd Class, as well as the Kutuzov 2nd Class...
* Some medals are badly placed : Liberation of Belgrade (a well known naval battlefield...), Lenin 100th Birthday...
* The Virgin Lands Medal (for an Admiral) is as well questionable as the Belgrade...
* The 1938 Jubilee Medal for XX Years of the Red Army is there... on a post-80s uniform...
* The 20 Years Irrep. Service Medal should not be there, as he has obviously received other more prestigious orders (Order of Lenin / Orders of the Red Banner) for long service...
Guys,
This Ribbon group is being described as a Soviet Admirals.
Can anyone Identify, if it's Original, the Admiral it belonged to?
It may also be interesting to try and identify all the various Foriegn Awards issued to him.
Everybody's equal, But some more than others!
"Those who come to us with the sword - will be killed by the sword" - Alexander Nevski