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10-27-2013 02:21 PM
# ADS
Circuit advertisement
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Ok, I am really a novice at collecting WWII Russian field equipment and accessiories so I spent a few hours researching the web for WWII period Russian EM waist belts and only found two that were I'd as pre war belts having brass buckles that were some what similar to the one I bought and they were identified as Imperial to pre WWII cavalry or Artillery belts. Most of the belts I saw were WWII belts with steel buckles. When did they change to steel buckles?
Also I'm pretty sure the date of the belt is 1931 not 1937. I also saw that many of the belts were given the length of any where from 90-130 cm. Where as my belt is stamped size 81. Then I realized the measurements of those belts were probably being taken from tip to tip of the belts because most likey the actual size stamps were no longer visible. I don't have my belt handy but I recall the overall length was longer then the 81 cm, 31" size So tip to tip, I'm sure it would match some of the other lengths. Also would assume the belts had to be made long enough to be able to fit around heavy clothing or overcoats as they had no length ability adjustment like US belts.
Open for any other opinions on the belt, Ray
Last edited by RayG; 10-30-2013 at 12:25 PM.
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Hi Ray
Nice gear. The belt is pre WWII Estonian Army. For privates. K.V.S.T (Kaitseväe Sadulsepa Töökoda) stands for Army's Saddlery Workshop. Under that a stylized bow and arrow and roman II? (for February) and 1931. Triangular stamp indicates II Soomusrong (2'nd armoured train). And shows that the belt was taken into use in that unit in the year 1931. Units later on, when receiving the clothing and gear put their own inventory marks on them.
Regards
K.
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Thank you kass. That's really interesting the belt is an Estonian Army belt and from an armoured train unit no less. The country must have had less then a million population in the 1930's so it probably didn't have too large of an Army. I appreciate that information on the belt. Ray
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Hi Ray.
Population in Estonia was 1 134 000 in 1939. I do not know the number of men service. There was some 60 000 men in Militia (Home Guard). If there would have been a mobilization then the Army would have consisted of, approx. some 110 000 men.
After Soviet occupation Estonian Army were transformed into 22nd Territorial Corps of the RKKA. Clothing and equipment remained Estonian but the insignias were replaced. Some Estonians, who, when the war broke out, were transferred to Russia and stayed there and were later part of the Estonian Rifle Corps, are often seen on the photos wearing Estonian Army belts. Mostly officers though. Clothing and equipment was then all Russian origin. Maybe some anomalies occurred. Like Estonian overcoat with replaced buttons (three leopards into star) and cut shoulder boards etc. Here's one named Estonian tunic with RKKA engineers collar tabs that are all original to it. The owner served in the Estonian Army and was about to have he's leave from the Army when the power changed and he had to stay longer. When there was a retreat and evacuation to Russia he escaped.
Regards
K.
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These photos are from the "War of Independence" (1918-1920). They did not have belts like this then. Belts like yours came into use in 1924. When the WWII started some Russian troops used Estonian equipment and uniforms as well. Not massively though.
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