Description:
Rare original Soviet Navy demobilisation photo album (Dembel Album), dating from 1977.
A fascinating piece of Cold War naval history, created by a Soviet sailor serving with the USSR Northern Fleet at Gadzhievo, an important Soviet naval and submarine base on the Kola Peninsula.
This is a genuine period military souvenir album featuring original black-and-white photographs, colourful hand-drawn illustrations, decorative lettering and personal memories of naval service.
Album Features:
* Original Soviet Navy demobilisation album
* Year: 1977
* Location: Gadzhievo, Murmansk Region, USSR
* Soviet Northern Fleet
* Hand-decorated pages with colourful illustrations
* Original black-and-white naval photographs
* Portraits of Soviet sailors in uniform
* Photographs of warships and naval vessels
* Pictures of sailors working and relaxing aboard ship
* Naval radio communications equipment
* Photographs of shipboard kitchens and daily life
* Hand-drawn anchors, compass designs and maritime decorations
* Reproduction of Soviet Ministry of Defence Order No. 73, dated 27 March 1977
* Reference to naval vessel PM-75
* Original vintage album, not a modern reproduction
Historical Background:
Gadzhievo was one of the important naval bases of the Soviet Northern Fleet during the Cold War.
The Northern Fleet operated in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions and included submarines, surface warships and auxiliary vessels.
The album includes a reference to PM-75, a Soviet naval vessel designation associated with a floating workshop or repair support ship.
One particularly interesting feature is the illustrated Soviet Ministry of Defence Order No. 73, dated 27 March 1977, concerning the discharge of servicemen into the reserve.
Soviet Demobilisation Album Tradition:
Known as a “Dembel Album”, these albums were traditionally created by Soviet conscripts approaching the end of their military service.
They were often individually decorated with drawings, photographs, military symbols, patriotic illustrations and memories of fellow servicemen.
Each album was unique and represented an important personal record of military life.
Unlike officially published military books, these albums provide an intimate photographic record of ordinary Soviet servicemen, their friendships, equipment and everyday experiences.
Condition:
Original vintage condition with age-related yellowing, marks and general wear to the pages and album.
Please study all photographs carefully for condition and contents.
The photographs shown are examples of the album’s contents.
An interesting and unusual historical collectible for enthusiasts of Soviet military history, Cold War memorabilia, naval photography and USSR Northern Fleet history.
Combined Postage:
Combined postage is available for multiple purchases. Please contact me before payment or request a combined postage invoice. Any excess postage paid will be refunded.