Pre-WWII Mongolian & Soviet Military Shoulder Board Numerals – Complete 0–8 Set, Original Issue

Description

This original pre-WWII set of shoulder board numerals represents an early pattern used by both the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Army and the Soviet Army before and during the transitional years leading into the Second World War. Complete sets like this are exceptionally rare today, as individual digits were usually issued separately and often lost or replaced over decades of uniform changes and field wear. Early metal numerals from this era show the characteristic hand-finished style and patina of pre-war production, making them highly sought after by collectors of early military insignia.

What makes this set particularly valuable is the presence of all digits from 0 to 8, as the number 9 was usually represented by an inverted 6 on shoulder boards. Because of this practice, authentic early numerals in a full sequence are extremely difficult to assemble, especially in matching pre-WWII condition. For collectors specializing in Mongolian, Soviet, or early 20th-century military uniforms, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a complete and historically significant set that reflects the authentic practices of the era.