*Soviet – USSR, Cold War – Post-1970s, Enlisted Man’s Field/Service Belt with Painted Steel Star Buckle, Kirza Construction, Original Example – No Catch*
A good original late Soviet military enlisted man’s belt, retaining its correct painted steel buckle with the classic five-pointed star and central hammer and sickle emblem. This is the standard practical service and field pattern worn by Red Army and wider Soviet Armed Forces enlisted personnel during the later Cold War period, typically from the 1970s onward when kirza and coated synthetic materials largely replaced earlier all-leather issue belts.
The broad brown belt is of typical kirza construction— a durable coated tarpaulin/canvas leatherette material with a smooth finished outer face and a woven fabric reverse—designed for hard military use while remaining inexpensive and easy to mass produce. It is fitted with the standard rectangular steel buckle, originally finished in a subdued khaki-grey painted coating to reduce shine in service, now largely worn back to a galvanised steel appearance on the reverse and edges. The separate keeper loop remains present, the catch is missing.
Unlike the brighter brass parade belts intended for dress uniform wear, this more subdued painted steel buckle and kirza construction identify this as the regular enlisted field/service pattern rather than an officer’s or parade example. These were widely issued across the Soviet Army, Motor Rifle troops, construction battalions, and reserve formations throughout the final decades of the USSR.
The interior retains faint factory ink markings, though now largely indistinct and unreadable. The original opposing catch fitting is absent, leaving the belt incomplete for wear but still an honest and displayable Cold War Soviet military example.
Approx. Measurements – Length: 112 cm. Width: 4.5 cm.
History Note:
Soviet military belts broadly fell into several categories: polished brass buckle parade belts for dress and ceremonial use, higher-quality leather officer’s belts, and the far more common enlisted field belts made from kirza or coated canvas with subdued painted steel buckles. By the post-1970s period, these practical synthetic belts became standard issue due to their low cost, durability, and resistance to harsh field conditions, making them one of the most recognisable pieces of everyday Soviet uniform equipment.
*Condition*
Original buckle and keeper present. Opposing catch fitting missing, so incomplete. Buckle retains surface wear and loss to its original painted finish, now showing a more galvanised steel appearance. Belt shows age wear, light surface marks, and minor handling wear consistent with service use. Factory markings faint and largely unreadable. A solid original display example. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQ
