Prototype M1943 Shoulderboards

[DougD]

Glad you like them Tal! I am posting a few more now, and then a few more in a couple of months. -DD

[DougD]

This is an odd set used for the development of the Marshal USSR boards; heavy silver thread, gold state crests, with silver star ( in reversed position).

[DougD]

The next 2 are early designs made in 1942, before the large star was adopted and even before the way the base thread was decided upon. The only difference between these 2 is the materialused for the star; varient 1 in silver and varient 2 in gold. DD

[DougD]

This board shows a design that came reasonable close to the final design.

[sovvisor]

I love them.let there be more. It´s very exciting.
best

[DougD]

Glad you like them; i hope to be able to most more in late September.-DD

[Tal Inbar]

I got this scan 2 minutes ago from a guy in Israel:

[DougD]

Yes, those boards are in an article about the development of the Marshal USSR boards in Zueghaus Magazine back in 2002 by Tseplankov and Stepanov. I am not sure i can reproduce the chart here, but that is where those photos are from.-DD

[DougD]

Actually, your friend cropped the 'prototype' boards from the chart, but the 4th board is not really a prototype like the others; it was the actual Marshal of the USSR board for about 2 weeks, when it was replaced by the one we know now. Though I would not classify that board as a prototype, it is still very very rare. I think that probably a few sets were made, but never issued, before the very quick regulation change. I know of a few collectors who have an example ( not me though, damn! If any one has one they want to sell, let me know : )

DD

[DougD]

Here is what I was saying before....when the Marshal USSR boards were first introduced on Jan 15th 1943, it made sense...the single star to four star generals rank led to a 'large star' marshals rank.

This worked until Feb 4 of 1943 when combat branch marshals got their new boards, with the large star and branch insignia. This led to the addition of the state crest being added to the Marshal USSR boards, to more distinguish them.

Agian, while I think that the 'large star' Marshal USSR boards were made in small numbers, until I see a photo of them in use (which would be neat) I will remain convinced they never left the tailors.

DD
ps-technical branch marshals (engineering and signals) and chief marshals of the combat branches did not get boards until Oct of 1943, thats why they are not on these charts.