Romanian uniform

[Al-muell]

Found in Bucarest in a shop I have mentioned.
A jacket and belt with shoulder strap and straps for sabre.
It is definately from early post-war period - most likely 40's or 50's, since it has "R.P.R." written below state symbol on the buttons and has soviet-like insignia with a rank I do not recognise (not that I am an expert at romanian uniforms, but most likely this rank was abolished or changed later). Also the traditional cut, esp. on the cuffs and material style indicate the early period. Unfortunately, no stamps present
The belt may or may not be original to it, but is most likely from the same period or even earlier - I have been offered a later romanian officer's leather belt in Constanta, but it was differntly made and had a stamp. Also condition is similar to the uniform.

I was told that it's "gendarmerie officer", but i was also told that it's pre-war (it isn't), so I dont't know if it's true. The colour scheme of the insignia as well as the sabre hangers may indicate law enforcement, but the uniform colour would suggest a military origin.

My question is: Can anyone identify the rank and branch?


Btw. even the collar tabs are different from traditional Romanian ones which were in use in 50's (see pic)

[Al-muell]

the belt and photo for insignia comparison (from the album I posted on this formum long ago)

[Greg Collins]

I believe what we're looking at is a very early top sergeant (Sergeant Major) of the Militia (police) uniform. The red piping on the blue shoulder board would indicate this, as well as the type of collar tab. Having said that, the rank is very "Soviet" which indicates to me that this uniform precedes the split with the USSR. Later uniforms would have distinctively Romanian-patterned rank (especially distinct in the enlisted ranks), and the uniform would go to a dark navy/charcoal- and all this prior to 1965. The image I've enclosed is a Militia uniform of a later date, but still RPR.

[boonicootza]

The shoulder straps on the first uniform are M1950 Re-enlisted Staff Sergeant (Plutonier reangajat). The uniform is missing a patch for re-enlistment on the left shoulder (i seems it was there once).

[Greg Collins]

You know, I've been thinking about this uniform for quite some time now and I may have been wrong in my earlier assessment... this may well be an early Security Troop uniform. The Security Troop (Trupelor de Securitate) wore standard Army (Armata) uniforms but with distinctive insignia, and this uniform fits that bill. Also, the Security Troop did wear blue shoulderboards trimmed in red, while the Militia (Police) wore the opposite (as I have shown). So, coupled with boonicootza's assessment of the rank, I'd say you have the uniform of a Security Troop Plutonier reangajat. Sorry for the earlier "goof"; it's a learning curve (especially with Romanian).

[Al-muell]

Thanks a lot for all the information! Finally I know what I have.:thumbsup
Sorry for this delay, but I have been out of business for a looong time.

[medals73]

Colonel (upgraded from Lieutenant-Colonel?) service dress, Artillery.

All badges and buttons "RPR".

Medals (very tightly attached):

Order of Military Merit, type 1 “RPR”, 3rd class
Military Merit Medal, type 1 “RPR”, 1st class
Medal for the Liberation from the Fascist Yoke, type 1 “RPR”

Also has breeches and belt.

[DougD]

Very nice set!

[Greg Collins]

Very nice set indeed! The "upgrade" you refer to was quite common. Seems no one wanted to go to the expense of buying a new set of boards. I even have boards where an individual went from Major to Lt. Colonel and just disregarded the hole left between the stars- has always amused me.

[lenin501]

Hi to all, I just saw this uniform on ebay, what do you guys think, original or fake? Thank you:thumbsup