Original Item: Only one available. The SS (Schutzstaffel - 'Protection Squadron') was originally formed in 1925, ostensibly to act as a small, loyal bodyguard unit to protect the Führer, Adolf H. Under the direction of the Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, the SS grew to be the most ruthless and feared organization of the 20th century. They were the vanguard of NSDAP and eventually controlled nearly every function of German life and much of Occupied Europe. When WWII began in earnest, the SS-Verfügungstruppe (SS-VT) (SS Dispositional Troops) became the Waffen-SS ("Armed SS"), an official military branch of the SS organization. Its formations included men from NSDAP ruled Germany, along with volunteers and conscripts from both occupied and unoccupied lands.

After the catastrophic winter of 1941-42 on the Eastern Front, the German military rapidly designed improved cold weather clothing. This included both uniform parkas as well as headgear, and the designs for these changed rapidly throughout the war. The Heer Army quickly fielded some early designs, and the Waffen SS of course were quick to field their own versions, which were in many ways improvement over the standard Army Design. This is a lovely German WWII Waffen-SS 1st Pattern Mouse Grey Reversible Parka, which features the very early scalloped pocket flaps on both sides. Unlike the Heer version, it is cotton on both sides with insulation inside the outer shell. It has "storm flaps" on both sides, and it is "double breasted", with a double row of 6 buttons. However, in this case they are meant to actually be used, which with the addition of the extra flap would make it very hard for cold air, rain, or anything else to get inside. We checked, and it still has faded markings under the white side storm flap, which read:-

1943
Klepper-Werke
Größe II

Made in 1943 by "Klepper-Werke", this is a size 2, which we assume is the "medium" size, though we do not know which size would be the "large". 

Both the hood and bottom drawstrings are present and move easily. The waist adjustment band is still present inside its sleeve, and is double sided, with one mouse gray and one white side. There are no buckles on it, so we assume that it was tied to the other side prior to buttoning up the parka. The buttons are all non-magnetic and painted, much of which is still retained. We did note that two of the mouse gray side front closure buttons are missing, probably having popped off long ago.

Overall condition is very good, especially considering that many of these would see post war service with the Bundeswehr or private individuals. There is wear and staining, but we do not see any major damage or repairs, just some missing buttons. A very rare and hard to find original World War II German reversible camouflage winter parka. Comes more than ready for display!

Approximate Measurements:-
Collar to shoulder: 10"
Shoulder to sleeve: 24”
Shoulder to shoulder: 14"
Chest width: 21”
Waist: 22"
Hip: 24"
Front length: 25"