*Romanian, Cold War - 1976, Romanian People’s Army Wool Service Tunic, Râmnicu Sărat Factory Label, Socialist State Emblem Buttons, Size 42 (Small)*
An original Cold War period Romanian People’s Army (Armata Republicii Socialiste România) wool service tunic manufactured in 1976, retaining its internal factory production stamp from the Romanian state clothing enterprise at Râmnicu Sărat.
The tunic is constructed from heavy olive-green wool cloth typical of Romanian military uniform production during the later Warsaw Pact era, the colour appearing noticeably greener in hand than in the photographs. The garment follows the standard Romanian service pattern of the 1970s, featuring a simple and practical tailored cut.
The front is fitted with two functional chest pockets with buttoned flaps, while the lower pockets are false decorative pockets forming part of the shaped waist construction rather than functioning storage pockets. The front closes with a vertical row of plain brown plastic buttons, typical of Romanian service uniform manufacture during the Cold War period. The shoulder boards and pocket flaps are secured with metal buttons bearing the coat of arms of the Socialist Republic of Romania, depicting the Carpathian mountains, industrial tower and rising sun motif within a wreath of wheat. These state emblem buttons were standard Romanian military issue throughout the communist era.
The tunic retains its shoulder boards intended to accept removable rank insignia. The rear of the garment features a central vent and the sleeves are finished with plain cuffs. The interior retains its original cotton lining together with the factory production stamp. Romanian service tunics of this period were generally designed without an integral belt, relying instead on the tailored waist for fit.
Internally the tunic carries a clear production stamp reading:
INTREP. DE CONF. RM. SARAT
TALIA / GROSIMEA III 42
ANUL CONF. 1976
C.T.C.
This identifies manufacture by Întreprinderea de Confecții Râmnicu Sărat, a Romanian state clothing enterprise responsible for producing military uniforms. The size designation III 42 corresponds to the Romanian military sizing system, with “42” indicating chest size and “III” representing the height group. The marking ANUL CONF. 1976 confirms the year of manufacture, while C.T.C. (Controlul Tehnic de Calitate) represents the official Romanian military quality-control inspection mark.
Approx. Measurements – Shoulder width: 41 cm. Sleeve length: 62 cm. Overall length: 72 cm.
Historical Note:
During the Cold War Romania maintained a substantial national army within the Warsaw Pact, although its uniforms retained distinctive national styling rather than directly copying Soviet patterns. Olive wool service tunics of this type were widely worn during the 1970s and 1980s under the leadership of Nicolae Ceaușescu, forming part of the standard duty uniform of the Romanian People's Army. Rank was typically displayed on removable shoulder boards together with branch insignia on the collar.
*Condition*
A good service-used example showing normal signs of age and wear. The wool remains strong with light handling marks consistent with use and storage. The plain front closure buttons remain present, together with the Romanian socialist state emblem buttons on the shoulder boards and pocket flaps. The interior lining shows typical creasing and light age-related marks but remains intact. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQB0#2963_1967235186
