M1943 Special Tunic for NKGB Commissars

[DougD]

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.

Serg,

This tunic was only used for Commissars (generals) of the NKGB for a bit over two years. Thats one of the things that makes it so rare (though i think there is a blue version for Militia Commissars) . There were other open collar tunics for the NKVD in the late 1930s, but none as striking as this.

[kliment]

Originally Posted by DougD

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.

[DougD]

Kliment,

It is possible its just a mis-dated photo, difficult to say. I agree about the collar tabs, on a few of the tunics they go from 'out to in', and on others 'in to out'!

Good photos!

DougD

[kliment]

Originally Posted by DougD

Kliment,

It is possible its just a mis-dated photo, difficult to say. I agree about the collar tabs, on a few of the tunics they go from 'out to in', and on others 'in to out'!

Good photos!

DougD

Yes, I have made some close-up to illustrate:

1. regulation drawing (never see the same in real pictures)

2. left side

3. left side

[kliment]

Some other designs but quite similar:

1. right side

2. right side

3. left side

[ekclete]

Hello, I think this is an example of the visor for this tunic.

[DougD]

Clete,

Yes, nice (and rare!) cap...and as the shot with Khrushchev shows in post 1, the regular service cap could be worn with it as well...I would not be surprised if the parade dress cap was worn with it once in awhile!

DougD

[DougD]

Close ups of the two collar tabs of one of these really rare tunics that is currently going through a 'restoration' to remove severe water damage.

DougD

[kliment]

Very very nice. Thanks for posting.

[DougD]

The tunic was exposed to quite a bit of rain and sun...may take a few weeks to really have it done properly. Here is a shot of the two order holes on the left breast...you can see the non-weathered color below where the orders (Red Banners?) were.

DougD