Albanian Communist Uniforms

[Besian B.]

Since these don't get to be seen often, I thought I'd post a few items of mine. I'll start with the post '67 model when the eppaulettes were abolished and any kind of rank or insignia could get you to prison. This type of simple uniform was for any kind of officer, no matter what rank. The owner of this specific uniform was a Captain in the Military Academy. Based on the Chinese model (due to close Sino-Albanian ties in the 70's-80s), these uniforms are really unpleasant to the eye.

[Besian B.]

The visor cap that would go with this type of uniform.










The interior of the cap

[Chuck D.]

Thanks for posting the photos. Very little Albanian militaria is seen here in the US. I collect communist state security items and have never seen anything from the Sigurimi. Do you know if they wore uniforms, or only civilian clothes? Any other information you may have on them would be much appreciated!

[Besian B.]

Greetings Chuck,

The sigurimi itself had its members in different uniforms, and depending on the branch, it would vary. Later on I will post a picture of a counter-intelligence officer's uniform. The counter-intelligence was one of the branches and the most important one of the sigurimi, and the two other branches were the security of the leaders (VIPs) branch and the intelligence branch. They had of course many other sub-groups beneath them. In general a sigurimi officer was present in every aspect of the society in Albania, so he could be found wearing a policeman's uniform, an army officer's uniform, or as usually they were found, in civilian clothes.

[Garulfo]

Very interesting, thanks to shre it with us.

Just a question : If you don't know the man in the uniform, how do you recognise his grade if all insignia were abolished ?

[Besian B.]

Hello Garulfo,

I know the rank of the individuals who had the uniforms because they were given to me by them and they told me what rank + how many years they had served for. I hope this answers your question

Very interesting, thanks to shre it with us.

Just a question : If you don't know the man in the uniform, how do you recognise his grade if all insignia were abolished ?

[Chuck D.]

Hello Besian,

Thank you very much for the information! I will be looking forward to seeing the counter-intelligence uniform. Do you know if they (the Sigurimi) had their own "dedicated" awards and medals, or were just issued the same ones as the other services? Is there any reference material available on Albanian items from the communist days? Thanks again for your time and assistance.

[Besian B.]

And here's the picture of an Albanian Colonel's uniform, pre-'67 with all insignias stripped, shoulder boards, collar signs, etc, and only the awards were allowed to be worn. In this case, I have the ribbon bar, along with the medals too. If someone wants to see the actual medals, I will post them.

[Garulfo]

I would like to see those medals, thanks

[Besian B.]

Here's a closeup of the ribbon bar, and someone can try to guess what awards the owner received. I will post the medals later on today.

[eschena]

I have an idea, but I'll be kind and wait a bit before I post my attempt

BTW: Thanks a lot for posting these uniforms. Communist Albanian militaria of any sort is so rarely seen here and often neglected. Really fascinating stuff!

[John F.]

If someone wants to see the actual medals, I will post them.

Hi Besian:

I would like to see the actual meadls too.

John

[Besian B.]

Hey Eric, I know you have a good knowledge on Albanian medals, so why don't you try to explain what awards the ribbon bar has

[eschena]

You got it!

First row:

Order of Skanderbeg 3rd Class
Order for Participation in 1942-1943 Campaign (not sure of the exact name...)
Order of Bravery

Second row:

Order for Military Service
Order of the Red Star
Medal for Valor

Third row:

Medal for Liberation
Medal for the 10th Anniversary of the Army

[Besian B.]

Good job Eric, a piece of cake for you I bet Here's the document for the '42-'43 award along with order itself.