Soviet Model 1935 Tank Corps Uniform

[Rick Research]

Here is a close up of the collar tab for a Captain. The red enamel rectangle = rank, the gilt tab edging = line officer rather than a political commissar. The tank devices are found "pointing" all over, apparently set at the whim of the wearer.

[Rick Research]

Here's the whole tunic, with officers' overseas cap. If there is any interest, I have closeup of the M1940 sleeve rank chevron (abolished August 1941) and of several types of the overseas caps. Only armored troops had this "Confederate gray" color.

[Rick Research]

Here's a closeup of the M1940 sleeve chevron rank, which was abolished in August 1941. The earlier M1935 chevron rank, worn with the same collar tab rank badges, was of a simpler design.

[Rick Research]

This is a M1935 armor officer's overseas cap, as made from 1936 to 1941. Only armor wore gray uniforms.

Officers always wore wool; enlisted ranks made due with cotton. While NCOs during this period also had piping, only officers wore the colored backing (same color as the band on a visor cap) behind the metal cap star.

This particular cap, maker marked, has an extra lining inside the side flaps of a wheat color that presumably was meant to "match" skin tones when pulled down. I have seen no other color lining material but this on other caps.

[Gene]

Outstanding items! Thanx for posting the pics. Soviet tankers are an underrated bunch and I appreciate seeing such displays.

[Rick Research]

Here's my second tank corps pilotka, a better match for color to the uniform, but unmarked.

How they were supposed to keep these "Confederate gray" uniforms CLEAN (the reason for black Panzer uniforms!) is beyond me!

[Rick Research]

The inside markings on the lighter Pilotka: size 57, made at the "Revtrud" ("Revlabor") Sewing Factory in Tula:

[LeeG]

Hey guys,
I just bought this Tanker General's peaked cap for the 1945 Parades off of Doug Drabik. It's a beauty! -Lee
P.S. Rick, where did you get those officer pilotkas?

[LeeG]

The inside.