Obr.1935 Officers Shinel - modified

[Kohima]

Finally got round to hoofing out my officers’ shinel.
It is a fabulously hoary example, and the fabric is surprisingly coarse for an officer’s garment, but of particular interest is the modified liner..



The liner has been detached, backed with wadding and a cotton facing, then quilted in the style of a Telogreika.

This has rendered the internal pocket pretty much useless for anything more than pens and pencils!


More details to follow..

[Kohima]

The date stamp is typically difficult to photograph, but is visible as 1943 in the right light with your eyes half shut… (Seriously, the best way to decipher them)!
Here are a couple of raw images, plus ‘tweaked’ versions..

[Kohima]

Finally, a few detail shots of construction..



This short strap appears to be part of a jigger system, but (if so), the other half is long gone


The somewhat raddled liner gives a good view of the wadding used


Buttons are all plain, steel backed


Clear stitching remnants from the collar patches


One of the rear belt buttons is lost, so the belt itself has been secured with period stitching

[32Artillery]

Very nice character piece

I love the look of greatcoats in general, and especially ones that show honest use......this one is nice though due to the personalization of it. As I sit here typing this with my fingers frozen, I can appreciate the fact that the owner of the coat wanted to be warm!

[Kohima]

I know what you mean about character pieces, 32..
It is a pity the insignia is long gone, but I am not inclined to add anything.
I’ve got a thing for greatcoats, too, though they are not the most attractive of items (not many pretty badges), and there is generally little one can say about them.
I also have a 1935 Other Ranks’ shinel (again, no collar patches remaining), and what I understand to be a 1917 pattern OR’s shinel, without pockets (for economy), though cannot find reference to the precise pattern date..

Just need the mounted pattern now..

[Boycie]

It makes sense. The telogreika was always intended as an undergarment to the Shinel (like the British Army's 'Chinese fighting jacket' if you're familiar).

A great item and, as you say, best left 'as is'.

[Marcel Banziger]

What an amazing coat. Congrats with this one. I hope one day to find a similar one.