Soviet Russian Vintage Wool Greatcoat
Grading Explained
We sell both new and used military goods.
Used items
Used kit comes directly from military surplus and is graded as follows:
- Super GradeĀ ā Unissued or unused condition. The item is like new, but may not include its original packaging.
- Grade 1Ā ā Previously issued and lightly used. Fully functional and ready for immediate use.
- Grade 2Ā ā Heavier signs of use. Still serviceable, but may have visible defects such as small rips, stains, or minor damage to zips or fastenings.
New items
All new stock is sourced from suppliers worldwide and arrives factory-new, usually in original packaging.
Russian Army Vintage Wool Greatcoat
The Soviet shinel is one of the most enduring military garments of the 20th century, with roots stretching back to the early 1900s. First worn by soldiers of the Imperial Russian Army during conflicts such as the Russo-Japanese War and later the World War I, the design proved so practical that it survived the fall of the empire and continued in service with the Red Army and later the Soviet Army.
Constructed from thick wool and cut in a long, durable pattern, the shinel was designed for the harsh winters of Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. Its simple, functional design features a heavy wool body, a large turn-down collar, shoulder boards, and a long skirt for added warmth and protection. During the Great Patriotic War (the Soviet front of World War II), it became an iconic piece of Red Army equipment, valued for its durability and versatility. Soldiers often rolled the coat into a bedroll for transport, demonstrating its practical role both as outerwear and field gear.
Remaining in use for decades after the war, the shinel continued to be issued for winter and garrison wear until the final years of the Soviet Union in 1991. Its longevity reflects a design that changed little over timeāfunctional, hard-wearing, and built for extreme conditions.
Features include:
- Soviet brown colour
- Durable wool construction
- Single breasted design
- Length below the knee
- Form fitting back belt
- High rise collar
- Made from 100% wool
Ā Grade 1: Issued, though in good condition, may have some minor sun bleachingĀ
Grade 2: some faded patches
