*Bulgarian, Cold War Era, Bulgarian People’s Army (БНА) Infantry Shinel Greatcoat, Lion Buttons, Gorna Oryahovitsa Factory Label*
A Cold War era Bulgarian People’s Army (Balgarska Narodna Armiya – БНА) infantry greatcoat or Shinel, constructed from heavy olive-brown military wool and retaining its original Bulgarian lion emblem buttons and factory label. This double-breasted winter coat follows the classic Eastern Bloc military overcoat design widely used throughout the Warsaw Pact during the socialist period.
The coat features a twelve-button double-breasted front fitted with brass-tone buttons bearing the Bulgarian lion emblem, the traditional national symbol used on Bulgarian military uniforms. Distinctive red piping runs along the collar edge, cuffs and rear belt detail, indicating infantry branch colouring within the Bulgarian People’s Army. The rear of the coat retains its original waist belt and pleated skirt construction, a functional design that allowed freedom of movement while maintaining warmth in winter field conditions.
The interior label identifies manufacture in Gorna Oryahovitsa (Горяховица), Bulgaria, a known textile and garment production centre during the period of the Bulgarian People’s Republic. The label also bears the marking МО (Ministerstvo na Obranata – Ministry of Defence) confirming official Bulgarian military issue. Such factory labels are typical of Bulgarian armed forces clothing produced during the late Cold War era.
The coat retains several decorative elements on the lapels in the form of small gold-coloured hook-and-eye clasp fittings, sometimes referred to as frog fasteners. These appear to have been later additions and were likely applied during theatrical or display use. A red felt insignia has also been applied to the sleeve, which does not correspond to known Bulgarian military insignia and is likewise believed to be a later embellishment. Despite these additions, the coat itself remains an authentic Bulgarian military garment.
Greatcoats of this type formed an important part of the Bulgarian army winter uniform system during the Cold War, designed to provide warmth and durability for soldiers stationed across Bulgaria’s varied climate. Their heavy wool construction and simple but robust design reflect the practical military clothing standards of Warsaw Pact armies during the socialist period.
Approx. Measurements – Shoulder width: 48.5 cm. Overall length (hem to top of collar): 109 cm. Sleeve length: 66 cm.
History Note:
During the Cold War, the Bulgarian People’s Army was one of the key armed forces within the Warsaw Pact alliance. Bulgarian military uniforms of the socialist period closely followed Soviet-inspired design principles but retained distinct national elements such as the Bulgarian lion emblem on buttons and branch-coloured piping. Heavy wool greatcoats such as this Shinel were issued for winter service and ceremonial duties and remained in use throughout much of the 1970s and 1980s. Production of military clothing was undertaken by state-run factories across Bulgaria, including facilities in towns such as Gorna Oryahovitsa and Kalofer.
*Condition*
The coat remains in solid vintage condition with honest service wear. The exterior wool shows general age-related wear and light surface lint consistent with a used military garment. All lion-emblem buttons appear present. The interior lining shows wear with tearing to one sleeve and areas of loose stitching. Structurally the coat remains sound and displays well. The lower edge of the coat retains a raw hem, a standard feature on many Bulgarian military greatcoats which were intentionally left unfinished at the factory so the length could be tailored to the individual soldier before final issue. The decorative hook fasteners on the collar and the red felt sleeve insignia appear to be later additions and are not believed to be original military fittings.Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQE0#2980_9456235824
