*Romania, Cold War - Dated 1977, Romanian People's Army Wool Service Tunic, Socialist Republic Buttons, Made at Întreprinderea de Confecții RM. Sărat, Size 44*
An original Romanian Cold War period wool service tunic manufactured for the Romanian armed forces during the late Communist era. The tunic is constructed from heavy olive-green wool cloth, the colour appearing slightly greener in hand than in the photographs and retains its original metal state-issue buttons. The design follows the standard Romanian service tunic pattern with two pleated breast pockets with buttoned flaps, waist pockets set into the side seams, shoulder boards, and a concealed front button closure beneath the fly. The overall cut and construction are characteristic of Romanian People’s Army service dress worn during the later decades of the Cold War.
Internally the tunic retains its original cotton lining together with the printed factory issue label. The label reads “Întreprinderea de Confecții RM. Sărat”, identifying the producing state garment factory at Râmnicu Sărat. The size line reads “Talia și Grosimea 44 II,” representing the Romanian military sizing system, while the date line “Anul Conf. 1977” confirms manufacture in 1977. The fourth line reads “Semn de Control,” indicating the inspection field for the official quality-control mark. Additional inspection and acceptance stamps are present including “C.T.C. 18,” referring to Controlul Tehnic de Calitate (Technical Quality Control), and “Admis 11,” confirming the garment passed Romanian state inspection prior to issue.
Tunics of this type formed standard service dress for personnel of the Romanian People’s Army during the Warsaw Pact era. Manufactured by state clothing enterprises such as the factory at Râmnicu Sărat, these uniforms reflect the centrally organised production system of the Romanian military during the Communist period. The 1977 production date places this example firmly within the later decades of the Socialist Republic of Romania, only twelve years before the collapse of the regime in 1989.
Approx. Measurements – Shoulder width: 42 cm. Sleeve length: 59.5 cm. Overall length (hem to top of collar): 69.5 cm.
History Note:
Following the Second World War Romania became part of the Soviet-aligned Eastern Bloc and its armed forces were reorganised along Soviet lines as the Romanian People’s Army. Uniform production was undertaken by a network of state garment factories across the country, including the enterprise at Râmnicu Sărat, which supplied large quantities of service tunics, field uniforms, and greatcoats throughout the Cold War period. Garments such as this example were worn as everyday service dress by soldiers and junior officers during the later decades of Communist rule.
*Condition*
Service-worn example showing typical signs of age and use. The wool exterior remains structurally sound with light wear and minor marks consistent with service storage and age. The interior lining shows creasing and light wear but remains intact with the printed factory label and inspection stamps clearly visible. The original buttons remain present. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
