Romanian Cap Badges

[Greg Collins]

I've amassed several Romanian cap badges from the 1947-1989 period that I thought I'd share with everyone. First, the collection as a whole. Right in the center, with the "wings" are two Romanian Air Force (post 1965) badges. The one with one row of leaves is for Sergeants and Warrant Officers; the one with two rows of leaves is for Lieutenants through Colonels.

[Greg Collins]

The oldest badge I have in the collection (yes, there are two of these) is the RPR Star (1947-1965). These were worn by NCO's right up through Colonels. The Private's are the same, but without enamel.

[Greg Collins]

This is a transitional period badge, probably in use from 1965-1968 when Romania went from the Romanian Peoples' Republic (RPR) to the Romanian Socialist Republic (RSR). Note that, although the star has been kept, the ltters therein read RSR. This badge was worn by Lieutenants through Colonels.

[Greg Collins]

A five badge group here. The center badge is the one I just discussed in the last post. The top left is an RPR badge, the use of which I have yet to determine. The top right badge is an RSR badge which, again, I haven't been able to identify. The badges on the lower left and right are Patriotic Guards cap badges- they are simply enameled state seals with a backing of cloth in the Militia red colour. The Patriotic Guard was Romania's version of the DDR's Kampfgruppen- citizen soldiers.

[Greg Collins]

Next, a Militia (Police) group. The badge on the upper left is the cap badge for Sergeants, Warrant Officers and Military Academy cadets. After about 1979, only Military Academy cadets would continue to wear this particular badge. The badge on the upper right is another Patriotic Guard badge. The badge on the lower right is the cap badge worn by Sergeants and Warrant Officers after 1979, and the badge on the lower left is the cap badge for Lieutenants through Colonels.

[Greg Collins]

The next group is the Army/Security Troop badges. They correspond directly with the Militia badges I discussed in the last post. The "odd man out" in this group is the badge with the seal stamped into it (no enameled seal attached) on the upper left.It is the cap badge for Privates and Corporals. One final note; the oak leaves included in the display are Colonels' collar insignias.

[STEBALIN]

The detail of these cap badges is impressive and beautiful.
Contratulations, Greg. You sure own fantastic pieces

BTW, do you have any uniforms or caps to share with us?

[Greg Collins]

No... though I certainly enjoy looking at uniforms and caps, I just don't have the necessary space to accommodate such a collection. The few flags I've collected (I have at least one per country I collect) are on the smaller side, as well. Orders, medals, badges, pins and documents are pretty much it for me.

[Tim B.]

Hi Greg,

Never seen a RPR Star before; how large are they?

I always liked the Soviet Star awards and cap badges but, never seen this one before.

I have a WWII Red Star cap badge and am waiting on two Yugoslavian Stars, one gilt and the other silver.

Tim

[Greg Collins]

Sorry it's taken so long to respond, Tim. The star is about 1 1/4" tall.