KLMK custom smock from afghanistan with mystery badges, help please?

[GHarvey]

Hi guys.

Years ago (around 1992) i picked up a field modified KLMK smock/jacket for about 15GBP from a chap who'd just come back from afghanistan.

Its odd enough in that it appears to have been made out of a 1 piece suit (well out of several as there are various shades of camo fabric on the item) but it also has some unusual medals/insignia.

My view is that its a Afghan Army Commando item (i've read they started using soviet smocks towards the end of the russian occupation) and i'm sure the red/brass badge is a DRA commando jump badge... i've no idea what the other medal ribbons are.

Any ideas?

Also given that the smock is in fairly good nick whats it's rough value these days?


DRA Commando jump award?


Medals and button type, also shows the reinfocing on the pockets


A rough idea of the 'patchwork' nature of the modifications


Full smock

[Tavolga]

red-black-green ribbon may be Long Service Medal

[MASSOUD]

Nice custom work!!!
The ribbons are :
-1 of the meritorious service medal (either for 5,10,15 or 20 years service) or order of the Star 3rd class.
-Order of the Afghan red banner.
-The badge is effectively the one of the commandos.
Given that the soviet advisors to commandos were mainly officers,I presume it could have belonged to a Major or Colonel....Or it could simply been added to the smock for a better value....

[GHarvey]

I think the badges have always been part of it, the reverse of the commando badge is vaguely 'verd di gris' (is that the phrase and looks like its been there some time.

Bear in mind i bought this in between 92 and 94 from 'sabre' in portsmouth ( iwas living in the area) and it had just come in that day (or very close to brought in by a chap who had been travelling to afghanistan.

I quickly asked how much they wanted for it an they said 15g gbp so i snapped their hand off. I think if they'd have put the insignia on they'd have felt it was worth more?

Thanks for the info on the awards! much appreciated.