Admiral Kuznetsov's M43 Tunic?

ekrogh · 02-03-2007, 02:12 PM

This is my first post on this site, and I am very happy to discover it. I am primarily a German U-Boat collector, but have added a few Soviet WWII items to my collection, and am seeking some expert opinions.

I purchased this M43 tunic awhile back at a local militaria show here in Southern California. While not an experienced Soviet collector, I have handled enough German WWII cloth to be of the opinion that this is a period tunic.

While researching the tunic, I came across a picture of Admiral Kuznetsov wearing a similar uniform. I have also read the account of how the Admiral convinced Stalin to allow him to wear the Marshall's star on his shoulder boards in the excellent book "World War II Parade Uniforms of the Soviet Union" by James Sinclair and Douglas Drabik.

Here are some scans of components of the tunic. It was difficult to get a good detailed shot of the full tunic given the image size limitations. Hopefully someone will have insight into the history of this tunic.

Here's a period photo of Admiral Kuznetsov.

DougD · 02-03-2007, 06:43 PM

Hello and welcome to the forum. I am glad you enjoy the book; we are working on V2 right now, though I think publication is still quite awhile away.

The tunic you have is a very nice Admiral of the Fleet of the USSR M1943 service tunic that could have belonged to Kuznetsov or Isakov. Difficult to tell without ribbons though as the insignia is the same; the tunic was worn when both held the rank. Without really comparing the sizes of Isakov and Kuznetsov, it would be difficult to tell. However, you might be able to nail it down eventually.

Best,
DougD
Moderator - Cloth

ekrogh · 02-03-2007, 08:17 PM

Doug,

Thank you very much for the information regarding the tunic!
I will look forward to the next volume of your book.

Best Regards,

Erik

Nack · 02-03-2007, 08:48 PM

As a rule I don't like navy stuff, but that is a really nice piece :thumbsup

DougD · 02-04-2007, 12:04 PM

A pic of Isakov as Admiral of the Fleet of the USSR circa 1948.

DD

vvadim · 10-21-2007, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DougD

A pic of Isakov as Admiral of the Fleet of the USSR circa 1948.
DD

Title of Hero of Soviet Union was given to Ivan Isakov on May 7 1965. But even if you don’t know that, this picture can’t be taken prior to 1955.

ekclete · 02-07-2007, 05:25 PM

I have to agree with Nack, I am not a big navy guy but some tunics transcend boundaries and this would fall into that sort of uniform.

Very nice tunic! I am not sure how you are going to top that one in the collection but part of the fun is trying! Thanks Clete

02-03-2007, 06:43 PM	#2
DougD Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: NJ Age: 51 Posts: 2,060	tunic Hello and welcome to the forum. I am glad you enjoy the book; we are working on V2 right now, though I think publication is still quite awhile away. The tunic you have is a very nice Admiral of the Fleet of the USSR M1943 service tunic that could have belonged to Kuznetsov or Isakov. Difficult to tell without ribbons though as the insignia is the same; the tunic was worn when both held the rank. Without really comparing the sizes of Isakov and Kuznetsov, it would be difficult to tell. However, you might be able to nail it down eventually. Best, DougD Moderator - Cloth

02-03-2007, 08:17 PM	#3
ekrogh New Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 2	Thanks For the Information! Doug, Thank you very much for the information regarding the tunic! I will look forward to the next volume of your book. Best Regards, Erik

02-07-2007, 05:25 PM	#7
ekclete Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: West St Paul, MN USA Age: 60 Posts: 236	I have to agree with Nack, I am not a big navy guy but some tunics transcend boundaries and this would fall into that sort of uniform. Very nice tunic! I am not sure how you are going to top that one in the collection but part of the fun is trying! Thanks Clete __________________ Thanks, Clete

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