Soviet Diplomatic Uniforms and Insignia

[Tal Inbar]

I have some pictures from an ancient ebay auction - uniform of an ambassador of the CCCP.

I think it is unique, see the rank of marshal cccp on very irregular place. I wonder if any one saw something like this, and have pictures of a Soviet ambassador in such a magnificent uniform.

[Tal Inbar]

The rank on the lapel - is ALL soviet ambassadors has that insignia, or a retired marshal cccp who turned into an ambassador has it? Why the unussual place?

[Tal Inbar]

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[Tal Inbar]

Ambassador / senior diplomat hat badge. brass, 63mm wide.

[Tal Inbar]

The Soviet ambassador in Tehran - the only picture I found so far:

[Tal Inbar]

The description is from the VERY GOOD site: under the red star (cap museum - see referense materials section).


Although poorly known in the West, the USSR maintained a uniformed Diplomatic Service from 1943 to 1954. All diplomats and attaches had their own uniforms, with appropriate ranks and insignia. Black uniforms were most commonly seen but white "summer" versions also existed.

In 1954, uniform wear was officially terminated, although special ceremonial uniforms were preserved for diplomats in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This white uniform cap is undated, but is probably from the 1980's. Both band and crown are made of white cloth with yellow piping. Of note: yellow piping is, to my knowledge, only found on Diplomatic officials caps. The quality of manufacture equates to that of a general's cap: silk lining, leather sweatband, visor buttons with embossed Great Seal of the USSR and patent leather visor. Normal officer gold cords are worn and the special, last model diplomat emblem (crossed quill pens with star) is pinned to the band.

[Tal Inbar]

At the left....

[otlichnik]

I think I have a copy of a Russian article showing the rank insignia for diplomatic uniforms. I will see if I can find it.

I have had, and since sold or traded, a few of these uniforms. The quality is superb, far beyond that of any post-war general's uniform even!!

It is my understanding, from talking to Russian diplomats, that up untill 1954 uniforms were used by ALL Soviet diplomats and that in 1954 it was cancelled for the lower ranks only - I think Counsellors and up retained them. They were retained by higher ranks until much, much later, hence the 1980s uniforms often seen. However, they were issued less and less often and may have even become "private purchase" items.

There is talk in the Russian MFA of re-introducing them.

It was once common for many foreign ministries to use uniforms. The dress uniform of former Canadian Minister of External Affairs (Noble Laureate and later Prime Minister) Lester B. Pearson is in our headquarters - alas, we have no uniforms today.

Shawn

[Nota Bene]

Shawn,

I believe that after 1954 only accredited Ambassadors had uniforms. Even Special Envoys in the Ambassador rank didn't have them. I will try to find more information on this issue.

Alexei

[Tal Inbar]

I am still waiting to know about the rank: Marshal CCCP AND the palm leafs of the diplomatic service - Is this the rank of "ambassador CCCP"?