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Soviet WWII Uniforms and Insignia
A guide to Red Army uniforms and insignia in World War II, from tunics and caps to shoulder boards and medals, with tips for checking original pieces.
European and Soviet Militaria
Soviet and Russian
Red Army uniforms, field caps, ushankas, medals and patches from World War II through the Cold War.
How big was the Soviet army in WWII?
How many people served in the Soviet Red Army in WWII, how large it was at its peak in 1945, and what those numbers mean for collectors today.
Russian Military Patches and Their Meanings
What the main types of Russian military patches are, how to read their symbols, what the blue-and-white striped vest means, and how to spot reproductions.
Soviet Army Uniforms of the Cold War
How Soviet Army uniforms changed from the late 1950s through the 1980s, including the M69 tunic, peaked caps, shoulder boards and Afghanistan-era field gear.
Soviet Commissar Uniforms of WWII
Who Soviet commissars were, how their WWII uniforms and insignia changed over time, and what to check before buying anything sold as a commissar uniform.
Soviet Pilotka Field Caps: Identification Guide
How to tell an original Soviet pilotka field cap from a reproduction, covering shape, cap badge, stitching, lining and why colour alone is unreliable.
Soviet Ushankas and Winter Headgear of WWII
A guide to Soviet ushankas and other winter headgear from WWII, covering earflaps, fur, star badges, linings and signs that an item may be a later copy.
Soviet WWII Medals: How to Identify Them
How to identify Soviet WWII orders and medals using award type, reverse markings, serial numbers, construction and common signs of reproduction.
Was it the Soviet Union in WWII?
Yes, the Soviet Union was one of the main Allies from June 1941 until 1945. Here is a short timeline, plus how today's Russia relates to the USSR.
What types of uniforms did soldiers wear during World War II?
A plain answer to what soldiers wore in WWII, with a focus on Soviet tunics, breeches, caps, greatcoats, boots and winter gear, and how they varied.
Related topics
More in european and soviet militaria
German Uniforms German Army, Kriegsmarine, Panzer and Waffen-SS uniforms and caps, and how they changed from 1870 to 1945. British and Commonwealth British, Canadian and Australian uniforms from World War I onward, RAF and airborne kit, and the Victoria Cross. Other European Uniforms WWII uniforms and insignia of France, Italy, Poland, Hungary, Finland, Belgium, Denmark and Sweden.