Polish 'Turtle' Riot vest

The Turtle (Żółw) Riot Vest in wz. 68 camouflage is a piece of iconic Polish riot control gear, widely recognized for its use by ZOMO (Motorized Reserves of the Citizens' Militia) and Milicja during the politically turbulent 1980s and 1990s. These units were tasked with crowd control during protests, riots, and political demonstrations, often clashing with protesters in Poland's fight for democratization and workers' rights.

The wz. 68 camouflage pattern, designed in the late 1960s, was distinctive and used across various uniform elements for ZOMO and other state forces, making it an emblematic design of that era. This vest was specifically tailored for riot police to provide impact protection during violent encounters in the streets, offering coverage against thrown objects or blunt force trauma, after initial experiences of riots in beginning stages of 80s.

• Genuine Polish surplus.
• Universal size.
• Material: Constructed from padded foam inserts, designed to absorb impact.
• Historical Use: Saw extensive use in the 1980s during martial law and through the 1990s, where it was deployed in major cities for riot control and public order maintenance.
• Vests show signs of action, making them authentic relics of Polish history.
• You get, what you see on picture.

This vest is not just a military surplus item, but a significant piece of Polish Cold War and post-Cold War history, reflecting a period of intense political and social upheaval. Perfect for collectors, reenactors, or anyone interested in historical military equipment.