Bulgarian Navy Officer Dress Belt M51

The Bulgarian Navy Officer Dress Belt M51 was introduced in 1951 under the communist regime of the People's Republic of Bulgaria. It was specifically designed to be worn in combination with the Bulgarian M51 naval dagger.

While the design was heavily influenced by the maritime traditions of the Soviet Union (Warsaw Pact), it retains unique Bulgarian characteristics. Below is a detailed overview of the specifications, authenticity features, and how the entire system works.

Technical Specifications & Design

• The Dress Belt (Paradefeldbinde): The outer side is made of a heavily woven brocade. A typical feature of the Bulgarian M51 is that the inner side is fully lined with black velvet. This served to prevent the belt from slipping on the smooth naval uniform (both the dark winter tunic and the white summer uniform).
• The M51 Buckle: A solid, round buckle made of brass or a gilded alloy. Centered on the buckle is a fouled anchor (an anchor wrapped in a rope or chain). In contrast to Soviet variants, the red star above the anchor is often omitted on the Bulgarian officer dress belt, creating a cleaner and more traditional maritime appearance.

 The Dagger Suspension System (Hangers)

The belt is incomplete without its matching hangers, which were essential for carrying the M51 officer dagger on the left hip.

• Dagger Straps: Two separate, narrow straps made of the exact same brocade and black velvet as the main belt. One strap is shorter and the other is longer, allowing the dagger to hang at an elegant, slanted 45-degree angle along the leg.
• Attachment to the Belt: The hangers are attached to the main belt via sliding brass loops (keepers) equipped with rectangular rings.
• Clips to the Scabbard: At the ends of the hangers are brass snap hooks (carabiners). These hooks click directly into the two carrying rings of the leather- or metal-clad dagger scabbard.