Issued Soviet M69 VDV Airborne "Demobilisation" Jacket [50-3]

Origin: Soviet Union (USSR).

Period: Late Soviet era, likely 1970s–1980s style

Branch: Soviet Airborne Forces (VDV)

Material: Cotton.

Size: 50-3 (approximately 100 cm chest / 170 cm height)

Condition: Used vintage condition

An nice Soviet  military jacket decorated with the distinctive blue insignia of the legendary VDV  the Soviet Airborne Forces.

The jacket features bright blue shoulder boards with yellow СА (Soviet Army) lettering, blue airborne collar tabs, a VDV chest patch and the colourful Soviet airborne sleeve emblem.

Also present are four yellow sleeve stripes, giving the jacket a unusual appearance.

The combination of insignia suggests this may have been prepared as a demobilisation jacket, known in Russian as a дембельский китель.

Soviet conscripts sometimes decorated their uniforms before returning to civilian life, especially in prestigious branches such as the VDV. These personalised jackets could feature additional patches, colourful insignia and other modifications.

Whether this particular jacket was customised during its original service life or assembled later I can't guarantee, all the pieces all original and it's a nice piece.

Details

- Khaki Soviet-style military jacket with button closure.

- Blue VDV shoulder boards with yellow СА lettering.

- Airborne parachute insignia on both collar tabs.

- Blue chest patch reading ВОЗДУШНО-ДЕСАНТНЫЕ ВОЙСКА (Airborne Forces).

- Soviet airborne sleeve emblem.

- Four yellow sleeve stripes.

- Two lower front pockets with flaps.

- Interior military-style size and inspection markings.

- marking 50-3.

Historical Background

The Soviet VDV (Vozdushno-desantnye voyska) became famous for their blue berets, airborne insignia and distinctive identity within the Soviet armed forces.

Military service was compulsory for most Soviet men, and completing service was an important milestone.

Some soldiers celebrated their discharge by creating elaborate demobilisation uniforms, often using the colours and insignia of their military branch.

These personalised uniforms became a recognisable part of Soviet conscript culture.