M1955 Uniforms and Insignia!

[Nack]

The general question is did all shoulderboards during this era, other than infantry, have branch-of-service devices on them?

I'd like to know because I have acquired an officer gym with narrow silver shoulder boards, red piping, 3 large gold stars. Shoulderboard buttons dated 57 and 58, other buttons undated. I figured that it is a M55 officer's service tunic. Given the narrow boards, silver color, and red piping, it should be medical or legal right?

However, in the only reference I have on m55 and m58 uniforms, it shows that there should be a branch-of-service device on all shoulder boards, other than infantry. These boards have none, and never did, as the silver is quite tarnished and there are no bright spots were there might have been such devices. Can anyone help me out?

[DougD]

Tim,

medical and Legal seemed to have the branch insignia, but i too have seen silver boards both wide and narrow without branch insignia. It could be simple administration ( i.e. non-specialty of legal or medical / vet.) or one with the branch insignia you mentioned but missing the insignia ( never on).

My guess is medical; i have always seen legal insignia on silver boards, but not always medical.

dd

[Nack]

Thanks Doug. When I looked at the boards again, I noticed that there wasn't a whole lot of space left to put a branch insignia--maybe that's why there are any. Anyway, thanks.

[DougD]

OK, lets make this a thread about the short lived M1955 grey uniform...lets limit it to the grey officers uniforms (no generals, etc.)...lets see how many we can throw up here.

I'll start with this very nice KGB example.

[DougD]

A nice Colonel of Tanks....

[Esteban_cool]

Here´s mine, my collection pride.:)
I recently redisplayed the medals on a suspension and removed some to make a more accurate display.

I still need the proper cap (I temporarily use a special troops M55) and a pair of breeches.


BTW, I have noticed that Doug´s M55 lapels are somewhat different to mine. Note the angle of the black velvet lapels: Doug´s uniform ones are not as "open" as mine.
Is this a variation depending on year of production?

[DougD]

esteban,

thanks for adding! Nack, i think you have some as well??

i think the different cuts are just due to whomever made them...might have to do with year, but I do not think so off hand.

DougD

[Tretov]

I have had quite a few of these!

Here are three from 2004.

KGB Lt Colonel
KGB Major
Tanks Lieutnant Colonel

[DougD]

Tretov - Great additions!

[Tretov]

Originally Posted by DougD

Tretov - Great additions!

They're all since long gone to the US of A =/