Original Item – Only One Available. This impressive Soviet WWII uniform set is attributed to Major General Timofey Timofeevich Shapkin, commander of the 4th Cavalry Corps, and originates from the former American Armoured Foundation (A.A.F.) Tank and Ordnance Memorial Museum. The ensemble has strong visual presence and displays beautifully, having been exhibited in a museum setting for decades.

While the uniform appears period in construction and materials, there are several important discrepancies that prospective buyers must review carefully prior to purchase. Transparency is critical with historically attributed uniforms, and we encourage informed collecting.

Condition & Authenticity Observations

• UV Examination:
  Importantly, no components of the uniform fluoresce under UV (blacklight) examination. This is a strong positive indicator, as post-war synthetic materials and modern repairs typically fluoresce. The lack of fluorescence across all elements supports period manufacture despite the discrepancies noted below.

  
  

• Cuff Titles:
  The cuff titles do not fluoresce under UV light and appear to be original-era material. However, they are of a pre-WWII pattern and have been hand-stitched to the tunic. While consistent with period methods, their style predates the wartime configuration.

  
  

• Awards Mounting:
  There are no visible pin holes present on the chest for mounted decorations, which would typically be expected on a general officer’s tunic.

  
  

• Collar Tabs:
  The tunic currently lacks collar tabs, which may indicate removal at some point during its history or display life.

  
  

• Headgear:
  The included Cossack-style Karakul cap is period-correct but does not display a General’s insignia badge.

  
  

These factors do not negate the period nature of the uniform but should be understood as deviations from what might be considered a fully regulation, wartime-complete general officer set.

Provenance

The uniform was acquired from the A.A.F. Tank and Ordnance Memorial Museum, a respected institution dedicated to preserving armored and cavalry history. Prior to its establishment as a non-profit in 1981, the museum’s collection originated from the private holdings of Mr. William Gasser, whose decades-long dedication to military history shaped the foundation of the museum. Following the museum’s closure after more than 20 years of operation, select artifacts—including this uniform—were released from the collection.

Historical Background

Timofey Timofeevich Shapkin
(March 5, 1885 – March 22, 1943)

Shapkin served in the Imperial Russian Army during World War I before joining the Bolsheviks. During World War II, he commanded the 4th Cavalry Corps, which played a notable role during the Battle of Stalingrad and Operation Uranus. He was awarded the Order of the Red Banner and the Order of Kutuzov. Shapkin died in March 1943 from a cerebral hemorrhage while hospitalized in Rostov-on-Don.

Set Includes

• Cavalry Brigade Commander tunic

  
  

• Matching trousers

  
  

• Solid Sam Browne belt

  
  

• Period boots

  
  

• Officer’s Karakul (Cossack-style) cap

  
  

All components are in very good overall condition, with scattered moth nips consistent with age and long-term storage, none of which detract from the overall display quality. The tunic bears insignia consistent with a Cavalry Brigade Commander.

Final Notes

This is a museum-origin, display-worthy Soviet WWII uniform set with strong period indicators, particularly confirmed by UV examination. However, due to the discrepancies outlined above, it is offered with full disclosure and is best suited for advanced collectors who value provenance, honest condition reporting, and historical context.

Approximate Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 10"
Shoulder to sleeve: 24.5”
Shoulder to shoulder: 16”
Chest width: 20.5"
Waist width: 20"
Hip width: 24"
Front length: 31"

Pants:
Waist: 19"
Inseam: 24.5"