Original Item: Only One Available. The severe cold encountered on the Russian front in the winter of 1941-42 found the Germans completely unprepared not only in heat retaining cold weather garments. This resulted in numerous, hastily improvised and makeshift heat retaining and snow camouflage items being utilized including everything from civilian winter clothing to white bed sheets. After the winter of 1941/42 the Oberkommando des Wehrmacht, (High Command of the Armed Forces), recognized the need for heavier winter clothing and testing began in the spring of 1942 to develop suitable garments.

This is one of the solutions reached, a heavy Sheepskin Leather parka, combined with a field-made winter fur cap. The parka was definitely factory made, and has the original factory and size markings on the canvas linings of the exterior pockets, which we unfortunately are not able to read. It is made mostly from heavy sheepskin leather with intact fur, and has a lightweight canvas hood (partly torn), as well as a very sturdy canvas collar, which could be fastened in a raised position, giving much protection to the wearer. Three "dowel and loop" fasteners secure the front of the parka, with some hook and loop fasteners and buttons on the collar.

The cap is a "field made" example, which looks to be made from scraps sewn together, and has some interesting purple markings on the ear flaps. These almost look to be Russian markings, so it is possible that it is a captured Russian piece, however we cannot find any similar examples to verify this. It is well made, and when combined with the parka would have left the wearer very well protected.

A great Luftwaffe winter set, ready to display, or maybe even wear!

Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 9.5"
Shoulder to sleeve: 26”
Shoulder to shoulder: 18”
Chest width: 28"
Waist width: 35"
Front length: 32.5"