06-29-2004, 02:02 PM
Well, there is no quick answer to this question but there are some guidelines that you can go by.
First picture you have, is an identity pciture which was used as part of the soldiers file and would be countersigned by the commanding officer to state that it was a good likeness of the said person.
Although this one is dated 1956 I would suggest that it is a lot older judging by the uniform which is a 1935 Gymnastoirka. Epaullettes were not worn at this time and rank was discerned by rank pips worn on the collar. Colour of backing cloth would determine branch of service and this system of colour was used to identify arm of service up until 1991.
The second image is of a colonel wearing a M1943 parade tunic. His rank is determined by the three stars worn on the newly introduced epaulettes. Also, there was a small branch of service symbol worn on the epaulette, unfortunately I cannot make it out in this image.
I would suggest buying some books on the subject of Soviet uniforms to gain a good understanding of them.
First picture you have, is an identity pciture which was used as part of the soldiers file and would be countersigned by the commanding officer to state that it was a good likeness of the said person.
Although this one is dated 1956 I would suggest that it is a lot older judging by the uniform which is a 1935 Gymnastoirka. Epaullettes were not worn at this time and rank was discerned by rank pips worn on the collar. Colour of backing cloth would determine branch of service and this system of colour was used to identify arm of service up until 1991.
The second image is of a colonel wearing a M1943 parade tunic. His rank is determined by the three stars worn on the newly introduced epaulettes. Also, there was a small branch of service symbol worn on the epaulette, unfortunately I cannot make it out in this image.
I would suggest buying some books on the subject of Soviet uniforms to gain a good understanding of them.
