Original Experimental German WWII Rabbit Fur Winter Schutzmütze Panzer “Beret” 58cm Protective Hat by Karl Kubach – dated 1940 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The German Army M1934 Panzer Schutzmütze (Armor Protective Hat) is one of the most iconic and sought after pieces of headgear from WWII. Often referred to as the “Panzer Beret”, this in reality only referred to the outer black wool cover that goes over the inner crash helmet, which looks very much like a beret.

After the successful invasion and defeat of France, Germany turned to preparation for Operation Barbarossa, which would open the Eastern Front of WWII in Europe and invade the Soviet Union. Due to the colder climates expected, an experimental version of the Schutzmütze was developed that did not have a removable beret style cover, and instead had rabbit fur covered fold down flaps on the rear and sides, much like those deployed later by the Heer Army and Luftwaffe. These were only made for a short period of time on an experimental basis, and rarely come up for sale. We have never had one of these before, and it’s unlikely we will have another any time soon!

The hat is domed-shaped and made of rubber, which is covered with gray / olive cotton twill fabric, also used as the backing for the fold down rabbit fur portion, as well as the front flap, which is tacked to the hat body covering. The inside is lined with black oilskin cloth, with a brown leather sweatband sewn to the liner. The leather sweatband is fully intact, with a faux leather covered rear seam, and the underside still has the full maker information listed:

Karl Kubach
Mützenfabrik
Mainz-Kastel
58
1940

The rear flaps are covered with the standard white rabbit fur, and have ties attached to the end of the ear flaps to secure them under the chin. There is a button on the top of the right flap, used to attach to a loop on the end of the left flap, which secures the neck cover in the up position. The front rabbit fur brim has a BeVo Embroidered Panzer Wehrmachtadler Eagle stitched to it, which has gray threads on a black background, correct for the 1940 period.

Overall condition is very good, with the main issue being the overall shape of the hat, which is somewhat sunken in, most likely due to slowly collapsing inward over the course of 70+ years. Most likely if put onto a mannequin head it would slowly start to return to the original shape.

This is a fantastic opportunity to pick up an exceedingly rare piece of German WWII Headgear. Panzer items always are highly sought after, especially items like this, where so few have survived. Ready to add to your collection!