I would date this uniform to the mid-1960's myself as the Order "Red Banner" and Medal "For Military Merit" were not instituted until late 1950 and the Order "People's Liberty 1941-1944" is a 1959-1969 type. The "Red Banner" and "For Military Merits" will be for long service. The Order "People's Liberty 1941-1945" is probably part of the Mid-Late December 1959 batch of Orders issued in commemoration for service to the state (some 15 years of People's Rule").
It is my understanding -- and what I have been told could very easily be wrong -- that the uniform style (ranks?) changed ca. 1950, which is why I gave those dates. Perhaps the medals were added later (by whom? by the recipient or a very naught person?) to an older uniform? Much as you see Soviet veterans wearing old uniforms with later awards?
The awards do seem to pair up with the uniform. A "Patriotic War" veteran with 10-12 years service and a "catch up" Order "People's Liberty". In the 1950's Bulgarian uniforms were rather hit an miss. Old bits and new bits, Soviet uniforms with Bulgarian insignia, Bulgarian Uniforms with either old or new insignia. I would say that this person was in service from about 3 months or less after the Coup in Bulgaria until the mid-50s and then retired/reserved. The uniform may have been retired by the Colonel in the early/mid 60's before he was awarded any additional commemorative awards (it seems strange he didn't take them off though), of course the Colonel may well have died before 20th anniversary celebrations in 1964/5.
I'm assuming these both belonged to the same individual. The jacket and breeches are apparently unworn with a uniform tag still present and no shoulderboards.
The cold weather long coat indicates senior lieutenant rank. For closer view of belt buckle, belt, and holster, reference "Bulgarian Belt Buckles" postings.
03-02-2014, 02:59 AM (This post was last modified: 03-02-2014, 03:03 AM by CtahhR.)
Here´s mine. Got it this summer :)
The shoulderboards are smaller than Soviet ones.
There's nothing in the streets
Looks any different to me
And the slogans are replaced, by-the-bye
And the parting on the left
Are now parting on the right
And the beards have all grown longer overnight The Who, Won't get fooled again
