02-06-2006, 11:21 PM
This uniform has been around awhile in a Paris shop with a seller who is less than credible. It is (in my opinion) a copy. Here is why i think that:
First,and greatest, look at the embroidered cuff anchors. They face the wrong direction; the bottom of the anchor should face the REAR of the cuff (all M1945 admirals had this), not the front. This is a pretty major error on the uniform of the head of the navy. Second there is a major lack of detail in the collar and cuff embroidery (there should be sequins going across the embroidery, not just the edgings). The embroidery also has in my eyes, almost no tarnishing; why? Perhaps it was pretty recent.
As for the collar embroidery, it is a bit too large, lacking the space between the bottom of the leafs and the stiching to connect the collar to the tunic itself.
The shoulderboards do not fit the tunic; they are too long.They are probably original though (see my thesis below).
The orders on the right breast do not align to known photos of Kuznetsov wearing this tunic; the third order should allign above the fourth button on the right side; here it is clearly next to the button, making it too low in comparison to original photos. Order #2 on the right breast should come clearly between buttons 2 and three ( again, clear in original photos), while here its clearly below button 3. Also, the three orders are spaced too far apart; in the original photos of Kuznetsov wearing this tunic they have almost no space between them.
The cap is clearly later, circa 1950's (look at the wide rounded brim, the bright cellon type embroidery, again not the tarnished real gold).
I think (and I stress I think) that this is a real M1945 admirals tunic that has had the embroidery replaced with a modern copy of Kuznetsovs M1945 style (along with original era boards).This was done with a well known published M1945 Marshals uniform, so it can and has been done.
While Kuznetsov probably had more than one of these uniforms, I really do not think this is one of them and would not advise any of my clients to get it. I am sure there are those who disagree, and that is why I posted what would be my concerns instead of just saying that I did not like it. To each his own, but that is my take, and only mine. I know I am nitpicking in parts, but knowing what they can do to copy high end orders, I know that high end uniforms can not escape.
DougD
ps- the marshals star would not be worn on this uniform; did not come out for Admirals of the Fleet of the USSR until 1955 ( i think that date is right).
First,and greatest, look at the embroidered cuff anchors. They face the wrong direction; the bottom of the anchor should face the REAR of the cuff (all M1945 admirals had this), not the front. This is a pretty major error on the uniform of the head of the navy. Second there is a major lack of detail in the collar and cuff embroidery (there should be sequins going across the embroidery, not just the edgings). The embroidery also has in my eyes, almost no tarnishing; why? Perhaps it was pretty recent.
As for the collar embroidery, it is a bit too large, lacking the space between the bottom of the leafs and the stiching to connect the collar to the tunic itself.
The shoulderboards do not fit the tunic; they are too long.They are probably original though (see my thesis below).
The orders on the right breast do not align to known photos of Kuznetsov wearing this tunic; the third order should allign above the fourth button on the right side; here it is clearly next to the button, making it too low in comparison to original photos. Order #2 on the right breast should come clearly between buttons 2 and three ( again, clear in original photos), while here its clearly below button 3. Also, the three orders are spaced too far apart; in the original photos of Kuznetsov wearing this tunic they have almost no space between them.
The cap is clearly later, circa 1950's (look at the wide rounded brim, the bright cellon type embroidery, again not the tarnished real gold).
I think (and I stress I think) that this is a real M1945 admirals tunic that has had the embroidery replaced with a modern copy of Kuznetsovs M1945 style (along with original era boards).This was done with a well known published M1945 Marshals uniform, so it can and has been done.
While Kuznetsov probably had more than one of these uniforms, I really do not think this is one of them and would not advise any of my clients to get it. I am sure there are those who disagree, and that is why I posted what would be my concerns instead of just saying that I did not like it. To each his own, but that is my take, and only mine. I know I am nitpicking in parts, but knowing what they can do to copy high end orders, I know that high end uniforms can not escape.
DougD
ps- the marshals star would not be worn on this uniform; did not come out for Admirals of the Fleet of the USSR until 1955 ( i think that date is right).
