06-29-2009, 04:59 PM
DougD Wrote:Kliment,
Nice photo, however, I am not 100% sure he is wearing the special tunic; if he is, the photo might be mis-dated (or he simply liked the tunic!).
The lapels are very large, the pocket flaps more flat, and the pocket buttons on the top buttons do not seem to be the large size buttons. Also, he has buttons on the lower pockets, which I do not think was part of the special tunic.
Yes, it can be mis-dated, but I think that the tunic is the 43 model. Large lapels are not uncommon (see Sudoplatov in the picture 1 taken from a russian site) and Zavenyagin was allowed to wear this uniform (see the splendid zig-zag of his shoulderboards). I think that for such an exclusive uniform, tailor's and client's personal tastes are surely part of the final design (variation in the laurel collar design is noticiable, see the different pictures on this thread).
I have poorly photoshopped, but enhanced, the regulation drawings (picture3). Left: Commisar general (Beria only) semi-dress collar design and dress cuff and collar. Right: other commisars semi-dress collar design and dress cuff and collar. Coat collar at right.
