Original German WWII 1943 dated Eastern Front White Rabbit Fur Winter Hat with Maker Markings – size 57 Original Items

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 fur lined caps 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 fabric, and a visor and fold down ear flaps backed with rabbit fur. The flaps are held in the “up” (open) position by a single button (replacement button). The flaps can be tied under the wearer’s chin via cloth ties.

The visor is tacked open and is rarely seen in in the “down” position. Many soldiers pinned or sewed insignia to it as is seen here. Most often encountered are the metal visor cap badges – the Heer Reichsadler Eagle (as seen on this example) or the SS skull.

This fine example is offered in very good condition with 99% of the fur intact, interior cotton / rayon blend lining is undamaged, with some light wear and staining. The interior lining is ink stamped with manufacture date 1943 and size 57 centimeters (US 7 1/8), underneath a maker mark, which is visible but unfortunately unclear. The plastic top button that holds the flaps in their “up” position is still present, though the loop on the opposite flap has torn through. The cap is currently secured up by tying the chin ties together.

These have become very hard to find on the market today and even decent reproductions sell for hundreds of dollars. Ready to display!