*Bulgaria, Cold War Era, Bulgarian People’s Army (БНА) Officer’s Shinel Greatcoat with Lion Buttons & Red Infantry Piping, Long Length*
A Cold War era Bulgarian People’s Army officer’s winter greatcoat (Shinel), constructed from heavy olive-brown wool and finished with distinctive Bulgarian lion pattern brass buttons.
The coat follows the traditional Eastern Bloc officer pattern with a double-breasted twelve-button front, closing with six pairs of gilt brass buttons bearing the Bulgarian heraldic lion within a rope border. Matching full-size lion buttons secure the shaped rear waist belt, while the rear skirt vent is fitted with a row of five smaller lion buttons.
The coat features a high standing collar edged in red/pink branch piping together with matching piping to the deep turn-back cuffs and rear waist panels. These details indicate infantry or motor rifle branch service within the Bulgarian land forces.
Internally the coat retains its original dark green satin lining with internal pocket and reinforcement panel to the lower lining section. The heavy wool cloth and structured tailoring reflect the practical winter uniform design used throughout the Bulgarian People’s Army during the Cold War.
Approx. Measurements – Shoulder width: 49 cm. Length (shoulder to hem): 125 cm.
Historical Note:
After the Second World War Bulgaria reorganised its armed forces as the Bulgarian People’s Army (БНА - Bulgarska Narodna Armiya), a member of the Warsaw Pact. Military uniforms adopted during this period were influenced by Soviet designs but retained distinctive national elements, most notably the Bulgarian heraldic lion used on officer buttons and insignia.
Inspired by Soviet M41 patterns, the officer’s winter greatcoat, known as a Shinel, became a standard part of the uniform system from the 1950s onward. These coats were worn over service dress during winter duties, inspections and ceremonial occasions and were designed to provide protection in harsh winter conditions.
Red piping denotes infantry or motor rifle branch service, one of the principal combat arms of the Bulgarian land forces during the Cold War period.
*Condition*
The coat remains in good overall condition with strong structure and good colour to the wool cloth. Light service wear is present consistent with age. Lion pattern buttons remain present to the front, waist belt and rear vent. The red/pink piping remains intact to the collar, cuffs and rear waist panels. The interior satin lining shows light creasing and minor wear typical of use but remains complete. The lower hem edge of the coat appears unfinished (raw). This is a known feature seen on some Bulgarian military greatcoats, where garments were supplied with extra length so they could be tailored to the soldier’s height after issue. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQE0#2954_3453234962
