Bulgarian, Cold War Era, Bulgarian People’s Army (БНА) Infantry Officer’s Wool Greatcoat (Shinel), Ministry of Defence Issue, Hristo Botev Factory

*Bulgarian, Cold War Era, Bulgarian People’s Army (БНА) Infantry Officer’s Wool Greatcoat (Shinel), Ministry of Defence Issue, Hristo Botev Factory*

An original Cold War period Bulgarian People’s Army infantry officer’s wool greatcoat retaining its original factory label, branch piping and socialist star-pattern military buttons. Constructed from heavy olive-brown wool, the coat follows the classic Eastern Bloc double-breasted winter greatcoat pattern used by officers of the Bulgarian People's Army during the socialist period.

The front closes with a double-breasted arrangement of twelve black composition military buttons, each bearing a raised five-pointed socialist star. Two additional matching buttons secure the rear waist adjustment strap. The coat features a deep skirt with rear vent allowing ease of movement while maintaining warmth in winter field conditions. Long turn-back cuffs and a high collar are characteristic of Bulgarian winter service greatcoats of this period.

Raspberry coloured piping is present on both the collar tabs (paroli) and shoulder boards, identifying the infantry branch within the Bulgarian People's Army. The collar tabs remain fitted but the small metallic insignia normally mounted on them are now absent.

Internally the coat retains its original olive rayon lining together with the factory issue label. The label bears the marking “МО” (Ministerstvo na Obranata – Ministry of Defence) confirming official Bulgarian military issue. The manufacturer is listed as “ХР. БОТЕВ / Завод” (Hristo Botev Factory), a state military clothing factory named after the Bulgarian revolutionary and poet Hristo Botev. This factory was one of the principal producers of Bulgarian military uniforms during the Cold War period.

Greatcoats of this type formed standard winter outerwear for officers of the Bulgarian People's Army from approximately the 1960s through the late socialist period of the 1980s.

Approx. Measurements – Shoulder width: 47 cm. Sleeve length: 66.5 cm. Overall length (hem to top of collar): 123 cm.

History Note:
Following the Second World War Bulgaria became a member of the Warsaw Pact and reorganised its armed forces along Soviet lines as the Bulgarian People's Army. Heavy wool greatcoats such as this were issued to officers for winter service and ceremonial wear, particularly during the harsh Balkan winters. While visually similar to Soviet greatcoats, Bulgarian examples are distinguished by their specific button patterns, branch coloured piping and factory labels from state clothing combines such as the Hristo Botev factory.

*Condition*
Service worn example. The wool remains sound with some light surface wear and minor areas of linting typical of age. The coat retains all twelve front buttons and both rear belt buttons. Collar tabs and shoulder boards with infantry piping remain present, though the small metallic insignia normally fitted to the tabs are absent. The interior lining and original factory label remain intact. The lower skirt edge displays a raw, unhemmed finish, which is commonly encountered on Bulgarian and other Warsaw Pact greatcoats. These coats were often issued deliberately long and then shortened to the wearer by unit tailors or the soldier, resulting in examples where the lower edge remains simply cut rather than formally hemmed. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

JAQCE#2967_8987235669