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 field grey 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 cloth ties. The flaps can be tied under the wearer’s chin via the same cloth ties.
The visor is tacked open and is rarely seen in the “down” position. Many soldiers pinned or sewed insignia to it, but not on this example. Most often encountered are the metal visor cap badges – the Heer Reichsadler Eagle or the SS skull.
This fine example is offered in very good condition with 99% of the fur intact, interior cotton lining is clean and undamaged. The interior lining is ink stamped with size 57 centimeters (US 7 1/8). The maker’s information states this cap was made by Walter Hebrier. Below this is 1943, which may indicate issue during 1943.
These have become very hard to find on the market today and even decent reproductions sell for hundreds of dollars. Ready to display!