A young Soviet soldier from the early 1920s during the Russian Civil War era
This uniform was part of the first standardized Red Army kit, authorized in 1918–1919 amid the Russian Civil War (1917–1922), when Bolshevik forces fought White Army counter-revolutionaries, foreign interventions, and internal chaos. Soldiers often wore a patchwork of old Tsarist uniforms, civilian clothes, and new issues due to shortages—hence the rugged, unadorned look. The budenovka, in particular, symbolized the "worker-peasant" army's break from imperial pomp, though it drew ironic criticism for its theatrical flair (tall points earned wearers the nickname "rod-brains").By the mid-1920s, reforms introduced more practical gear like the pilotski cap, but this style lingered into the 1930s and even the Winter War (1939–1940). Today, it's romanticized in Soviet art, films (e.g., White Sun of the Desert), and reenactments as an emblem of revolutionary fervor. The soldier's serious expression and youthful features (likely a conscript in his late teens or early 20s) capture the era's idealism mixed with hardship.
Key Uniform Components:
Headgear
Pointed woolen hat (budenovka) with a red star emblem on the front. The hat has protective ear/neck flaps (likely folded up in this pose) and a stiffened peak to maintain shape.
Iconic symbol of the Red Army, introduced in January 1919 as winter headwear. Designed by painter Viktor Vasnetsov, inspired by medieval bogatyr (hero) helmets to evoke Russian folklore and boost morale. Named after cavalry commander Semyon Budyonny; it became a propaganda staple but was phased out by 1935 for being impractical in cold weather and under helmets.
Tunic
Long-sleeved shirt-like blouse (gymnastyorka) with a standing collar, buttoned front, and patch pockets. Dark green or protective olive fabric, with a small red star badge pinned to the left breast pocket.
Standard field tunic for enlisted men, adapted from Tsarist designs but simplified for mass production. The badge signifies Red Army affiliation; early versions often lacked insignia to promote equality among ranks.
Trousers & Breeches
High-waisted riding breeches (sharovary) with reinforced knees and wide legs, tucked into boots. Paired with a leather belt.
Designed for mounted troops or mobility; common in cavalry or infantry units. The wide cut allowed for horseback riding without restriction.
Footwear
Tall leather riding boots (sapogi), polished for the photo.
Practical for Russian terrain; standard issue for all branches, emphasizing durability over comfort.
Accessories
Leather cartridge pouch or bandolier box on a chest strap (with visible brass fittings); hand resting on a studio prop column, but the pose suggests a field-ready stance.
Utility item for holding rifle cartridges (e.g., for Mosin-Nagant); the metal fittings and strap indicate combat readiness.
Early Red Army gear often mixed captured Imperial items with new production.
Good photographic material for historians.
A young Soviet soldier from the early 1920s during the Russian Civil War era
This uniform was part of the first standardized Red Army kit, authorized in 1918–1919 amid the Russian Civil War (1917–1922), when Bolshevik forces fought White Army counter-revolutionaries, foreign interventions, and internal chaos. Soldiers often wore a patchwork of old Tsarist uniforms, civilian clothes, and new issues due to shortages—hence the rugged, unadorned look. The budenovka, in particular, symbolized the "worker-peasant" army's break from imperial pomp, though it drew ironic criticism for its theatrical flair (tall points earned wearers the nickname "rod-brains").By the mid-1920s, reforms introduced more practical gear like the pilotski cap, but this style lingered into the 1930s and even the Winter War (1939–1940). Today, it's romanticized in Soviet art, films (e.g., White Sun of the Desert), and reenactments as an emblem of revolutionary fervor. The soldier's serious expression and youthful features (likely a conscript in his late teens or early 20s) capture the era's idealism mixed with hardship.
Key Uniform Components:
Headgear
Pointed woolen hat (budenovka) with a red star emblem on the front. The hat has protective ear/neck flaps (likely folded up in this pose) and a stiffened peak to maintain shape.
Iconic symbol of the Red Army, introduced in January 1919 as winter headwear. Designed by painter Viktor Vasnetsov, inspired by medieval bogatyr (hero) helmets to evoke Russian folklore and boost morale. Named after cavalry commander Semyon Budyonny; it became a propaganda staple but was phased out by 1935 for being impractical in cold weather and under helmets.
Tunic
Long-sleeved shirt-like blouse (gymnastyorka) with a standing collar, buttoned front, and patch pockets. Dark green or protective olive fabric, with a small red star badge pinned to the left breast pocket.
Standard field tunic for enlisted men, adapted from Tsarist designs but simplified for mass production. The badge signifies Red Army affiliation; early versions often lacked insignia to promote equality among ranks.
Trousers & Breeches
High-waisted riding breeches (sharovary) with reinforced knees and wide legs, tucked into boots. Paired with a leather belt.
Designed for mounted troops or mobility; common in cavalry or infantry units. The wide cut allowed for horseback riding without restriction.
Footwear
Tall leather riding boots (sapogi), polished for the photo.
Practical for Russian terrain; standard issue for all branches, emphasizing durability over comfort.
Accessories
Leather cartridge pouch or bandolier box on a chest strap (with visible brass fittings); hand resting on a studio prop column, but the pose suggests a field-ready stance.
Utility item for holding rifle cartridges (e.g., for Mosin-Nagant); the metal fittings and strap indicate combat readiness.
Early Red Army gear often mixed captured Imperial items with new production.
Good photographic material for historians.