Soviet Russian belt and buckle used by People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan ?

[Boy Howdy]

I was told this belt and buckle was used by the PDPA during the Soviet-Afghan War.

Does the writing give any clue as to the age of the belt?

Thank you.

[lovnik]

On 5/3/2021 at 2:14 AM, Boy Howdy said:

I was told this belt and buckle was used by the PDPA during the Soviet-Afghan War.

Does the writing give any clue as to the age of the belt?

Thank you.

 

Manufactured at the Kuybyshev Factory in Minsk, Belarussian Soviet Socialist Republic (BSSR).
Size: "2"
Cost: 1 ruble 50 kopeck.
Year of manufacture: 1982

So yeah, it was manufactured during the Afghanistan War. Whether or not it was in Indian country -- who knows?

[Boy Howdy]

Thanks again for your input...

[Cap Camouflage Pattern I]

These blank buckle belts were standard export belt supplied to a number of countries right?

[Boy Howdy]

That's seems to be the common thought.

Even the NVA had them...

[Cap Camouflage Pattern I]

On 3/1/2022 at 3:24 AM, Boy Howdy said:

That's seems to be the common thought.

Even the NVA had them...

The PAVN ones I have seen were a different "leather" material and didnt have any kind of ink stamp, which is actually why I was asking about this one because it's a bit different. 

[Boy Howdy]

On 3/1/2022 at 4:09 AM, Cap Camouflage Pattern I said:

These blank buckle belts were standard export belt supplied to a number of countries right?

I believe they were.

I have seen them used by the communist backed combatants during the South African Bush War.

 

I have this steel version that came out of Communist Yugoslavia....reminds me of the Cuban buckles from the 70's & 80's

[Nkomo]

As has been said, Soviet export buckle that was issued with the Soviet export uniform and boonie.  I have one that was captured in Angola back in the 70s/80s.  

 

  Pretty uncommon piece and thanks for sharing.

 

As to age, these were seen in use in various Marxist countries in the 70s and 80s.

[Boy Howdy]

Thanks for the input Nkomo.

Time period is good to know.

[AKC123]

For future use I believe the date was arrived at through the 2 digit number with Cyrillic year marking “r” after it found under the triangle OTK inspection stamp on the far left. 

[Boy Howdy]

On 3/11/2022 at 11:28 PM, Cap Camouflage Pattern I said:

The PAVN ones I have seen were a different "leather" material and didnt have any kind of ink stamp, which is actually why I was asking about this one because it's a bit different. 

Is this the type you saw the PAVN using? Rubberized canvas dark brown belt with no markings?

[Cap Camouflage Pattern I]

On 1/26/2025 at 3:11 PM, Boy Howdy said:

Is this the type you saw the PAVN using? Rubberized canvas dark brown belt with no markings?

No, I now think it might have been the same as the one in the original photo, just worn down. Also I have seen some that appear to be solid leather. 

[Boy Howdy]

Great to know. Thank you C.C.P. 1

[Boy Howdy]

Here are some pictures of plain buckle being worn by mostly Russians but also Afgan Sarboz and African Communist.

 

top to bottom

Cuba late 80's, Vietnam 90-91, Cuba 86-88, Afrika, Russian tankers

more photos

 

Soviet summer camp 1989, Afghanistan 1980's?, Cuba 1987, Afghan Communist 1980's?

 

All of these photos were found on forum.www2.ru