Original Items. Only One Set Available. This is a phenomenal & scarce uniform set for a North Korean officer, consisting of a scarce Korean-made Soviet-Style Gymnastroika pullover, an officer’s field cap, and belt.

The Gymnastroika is a pullover, in the same style worn by Russians during both World Wars. The buttons appear to be nickel-plated steel, but they could be chrome-plated. All buttons are retained, as are the pocket buttons. The interior has a blue lining which is marked below the neck with Korean characters and 28, which could be the size. The material of the shirt has held up very well.

The Officer’s field cap is in fair service worn condition with some mothing under and around the brim. The cap features a chinstrap as well as a lovely five-pointed red star set in a circular gold disc. It also has a flexible peak and a raised curtain to it. There is a small Korean marking on the sweatband. These caps are very difficult to find in any condition, let alone in a grouping like this.

The Korean People's Army Ground Force Uniform Web Belt is in fair condition and is dated 1952 on the buckle.

This is a fantastic grouping of scarce items, perfect for a Korean War display. Comes ready for further research and display.

Approximate Measurements:-
Collar to shoulder: 11"
Shoulder to sleeve: 24.5”
Shoulder to shoulder: 17"
Chest width: 22”
Waist: 21"
Front length: 31"

The KPA was established in February 1948, being raised from Korean communist guerrillas who had previously served with the Chinese People's Liberation Army, but 'advised' by Soviet personnel. By mid-1950 the KPA was composed of ten infantry divisions plus other units totaling some 223,000 men. Despite the early successes that followed their invasion of South Korea beginning in June 1950, and the capture of Seoul, the KPA was eventually stopped on the Pusan Perimeter, their offensive capability spent.

US counter-offensives in the south and their seaborne landings in the west at Inchon successfully drove the KPA back and trapped considerable numbers in the south between two striking pincers. By the end of September, the KPA's ability to fight was virtually over. UN forces went on the offensive to invade North Korea, supported by South Korean RoK troops in the east, who drove the KPA up to the Chinese border in October.

Just as winter broke China intervened and Chinese forces in massive numbers swept down forcing MacArthur's troops to go on the defensive, halting in mid-December on the 38th Parallel, whilst communist forces re-organized. With China intervening, it gave the communist forces some breathing space, but following two further phases of the conflict that brought about a period of attrition, followed by lessened local and counter attacks, and the war came to a close as an armistice was signed on July 27th, 1953.