*Soviet -USSR, Cold War - May 1987, Army M69 / M81 Pattern Enlisted Field Belt, Minsk Kuybyshev Factory, Khaki Painted Hammer & Sickle Star Buckle, Leatherette - Webbing Construction, Complete Original Example*
A very good original late Cold War Soviet Army enlisted man’s field/service belt, dated May 1987 and produced by the Minsk Leather Goods Factory named after Kuybyshev. This is the standard M69 / later M81 pattern belt widely issued to Red Army soldiers and NCOs, retaining its correct painted steel buckle with the iconic five-pointed star and central hammer and sickle emblem.
The belt is constructed with a brown leatherette outer face and mustard-brown woven service webbing reverse with dark reinforced edging, fitted with brown leather end tabs and retaining its original leather keeper. The buckle is the correct subdued field pattern with khaki anti-glare painted finish rather than the polished brass parade type, intended for everyday service and field wear. The reverse retains the standard simple hook fastening arrangement used across Soviet enlisted equipment of this period.
Internally, the white factory ink stamp remains visible and reads for the Minsk leather goods factory named after Kuybyshev (Кожгалантерейная фабрика им. Куйбышева, Минск), together with ОТК 21 technical inspection marking and the production date V-87г, confirming manufacture in May 1987. This example is the later M69/M81 pattern enlisted field belt, distinguished by its woven service webbing, leather fittings, and painted anti-glare buckle, replacing the earlier full leather and polished brass parade-style belts of the post-war Soviet Army.
Approx. Measurements – Overall length: approx. 115 cm. Width: approx. 4.5 cm.
History Note:
Belts of this type formed part of the standard daily uniform for Soviet enlisted personnel throughout the later Cold War period. Introduced to replace earlier heavier leather belts, these M69/M81-style web belts were cheaper to produce, durable in field conditions, and better suited to mass issue across the Soviet Armed Forces. The painted buckle reduced shine and reflected the practical military requirements of field service, while the star-and-hammer-and-sickle emblem remained one of the most recognisable symbols of Soviet military uniform.
*Condition*
Good original used condition with honest service wear throughout. Webbing shows rubbing, fading and minor wear to the dark edge binding. Leather fittings show creasing, minor surface wear and age-related use marks. Buckle retains its original painted finish with scratches, chips and handling wear consistent with service use. Factory markings remain visible internally. A strong original display piece. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
We have several virtually identical examples available; one will be selected at random from current stock, all being of the same pattern and comparable condition.
JAQ
