Ceremonial uniform of I. V. Stalin (Marshal’s)
sea-green (sample of 1945).
USSR. 1945

In 1956, Marshal’s uniform was handed over to the Central Museum of V.I. Lenin from the House-Museum of I.V. Stalin in Volynskoe.

Stalin was awarded the rank of Marshal of the Soviet Union in 1943.

Specially for the Victory Parade on June 24, 1945 in Moscow, a new (sea-green) General’s and Marshal’s dress uniform was designed – the uniform of the winners, particularly elegant and solemn. Sets included a peaked cap, double-breasted uniform and trousers. The bands of caps, cuffs and collars of uniforms were embroidered with gold or silver threads. More than 250 sets of General’s and Marshal’s uniforms were sewn for the historical parade, and more than 10,000 sets of various uniforms, symbolizing the greatness and invincibility of the Red Army, were sewn for all participants of the Victory Parade.

Stalin never wore a ceremonial Marshal’s uniform. He didn’t like the stiff high collar that squeezed his neck. On June 26, 1945, Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR introduced the highest military rank – Generalissimo, which was awarded to Stalin the next day. The Generalissimo chose one of the proposed uniforms – a coat of the 1940 model with a low turndown collar. In fact, Stalin wore a standard-shaped General’s coat with a turndown collar and four pockets, but a unique light-gray (beige) color. This uniform was official and was depicted on portraits and posters.