Original German WWII Eastern Front Heer Army Rabbit Fur Pelzmütze Winter Hat - Size 56

Original Item: Only One Available. After the catastrophic winter of 1941-42 on the Eastern Front, the German military rapidly designed improved cold weather clothing. By the Fall of 1942, a variety of winter fur lined caps (Pelzmütze or Winterfellmütze) had been introduced. There were no standardized "model numbers", but this version is a commonly encountered pattern. It has a fieldgray wool body, which is lined with rayon or cotton fabric, and a visor and fold down ear flaps backed with rabbit fur.

Many soldiers pinned or sewed insignia to it as is seen here. Most often encountered are the metal visor cap badges - the Heer Wehrmachtadler Eagle (as seen on this example) or the SS skull. The flaps are usually held in the "up" (open) position by a single button on the right flap, which fits into a loop on the left flap, both of which are actually still intact, a real rarity! The flaps can be tied under the wearer's chin via the attached cloth ties, which are also intact, but definitely show wear.

This fine example is offered in very good condition, with virtually all of the fur intact, and the HBT cotton rayon blend outer flap lining in great shape. The interior HBT lining shows only some light staining from use, however the seam that joins the edge of the lining to the shell is pulling out, and it is now detached on most of the left side. We can also see the seam pulling apart at the top as well, and this actually allows the insulation and interior structure to be seen. There is a faded marking on the center, and we can make out a size 56.

These have become very hard to find on the market today and even decent reproductions sell for hundreds of dollars. A lovely example with a partly detached lining, ready to add to your collection and display!