RichieC

Good good... Regards, Richie C

The M40:

I regret to say, that I no longer own the Schvartz. Like I said, it, in a most peculiar way, is now an adornment on my lovely wife's finger if you know what I mean... The man I sold it to is a close friend and fellow collector, and he promised me first dibbs on buying it back if he ever chooses to sell it... Concerning your additional helmets; Please, post them so others may see the relics ( I sort of like those. They can not be faked, as far as I know!) and can compare the post-war versions to the previous ones that were shown earlier in our thread. The only Pilotkas I own are an EM's pea green summer weight version and a FAKE Armored officer's one... Richie C

What a fabulous piece! Items produced during the sieges of the Hero Cities are especially interesting to me. I unfortunately do not own any examples of anything in that category. I know a man who does, but he is a long way from parting from them. Again, an applaud from me for that helmet... Richie C

I have always liked these... Thanks for showing yours. I have a few NKVD sets and will post them in the coming weeks now that a thread has started about them. It is very refreshing to see the positive activity here on this forum. I do have to comment on the cap though... The cap itself is a Model 1927, but it seems to have a Model 1935 visor, and mid-1940s star. Is the chinstrap made of oil-cloth or plastic? It appears to have had a shiny surface and has been dulled down. Anyway, I'm certain that they did all sorts of modifications back then to use what they had, but I have never seen this combination before. Do the breeches have a crimson colored piping down the sides? Richie C

Thanks Pete... Regrettably, this stuff is so obscure and has so may individual variations, it is difficult to actually provide a "run down" of it. Every single piece I own has come from a friend in Bulgaria who owns an antique shop. It is either brought into him by pickers or consignors, or is obtained by him at flea markets in Sofia and Varna. Secondly, there is almost a nil amount of English language reference material available on any of it except what is found in the general publications such as the Andrew Mollo book: "Armed Forces of WWII, Insignia and Organization". Other than that, publications even in Bulgarian language are very limited, and none that I know of even cover the era of the ensembles I have pictured here. I have a few more pieces that I will photograph and post as the weeks progress. I'll try to include any bits of factual knowledge that I have gathered about them and include it into the posts... Richie C

Thanks for all the input. Perhaps the brown stain is not rust? Possibly it may be dirt that accumulated in the hole over the years? The pullover was fairly soiled when I first aquired it. I personally will not go crazy over this, but if one were to really get "techie" about it, I suppose it could be tested for iron-oxide. Rust is iron-oxide, correct? There must be a way to test for it... I'll see if I can dig up my old childhood Gilbert Chemistry Set... I may have to call my Mom to ask her where she put it...

Of what metal composition are the retaining nuts constructed of?

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Gentlemen, I proudly own this pullover that once belonged to a Sgt of an Anti-Tank Demolition Artillery unit. There seems to be a place above the LH pocket where some type of order has vacated the premises. A Red Banner perhaps? Your opinions would be greatly appreciated as I aspire to get this one completed and up on a display form. I tried my best for a good image with the limited resources I have to work with here. There are no marks on the inside other than the presence of that rusty hole again. In any case, kindly let me know if more images are needed. Thanks in advance... Richie C

Exactly... I suppose working around the dacha in your Victory Parade tunic would appear a tad silly, and uncomfortable.

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IMAGE 1-2 & 3 "Oleg" has been around for a while. His model 1940 "FINKA" (Finnish) "FISH FUR" (Fake Fur) Ushanka has seen a lot of kilometers. His greatcoat also. It is dated 1941 and it's original Model 1935 raspberry coloured (for Infantry) collar tabs have been removed and a pair of Model 1943 tabs (WITHOUT any buttons. I guess he had none at the time) and shoulder boards for the rank of 1st Sergeant of Technical Troops have been added. His puttees ("windings" or "bands" as translated from Russian) are crudely constructed of captured German feed sacks, as what appear to be lot numbers and the German national "Adler" markings are still visible if one were to lay them out flat. His boots are of American Lend-Lease manufacture without hobnails. Oleg carries on his back a "new" Model 1944 Mosin/Nagant Carbine. The canvas pouch on his left side holds two Model F1 fragmentation grenades.

David, Any interest is fondly appreciated. Images to follow in 24-48 as per your request... RHC

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