Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII Heer rabbit fur Pelzmütze winter field cap, dated 1944 and marked size 55. Constructed with a field-gray wool body, fabric lining, and rabbit-fur-backed visor and fold-down ear flaps, this pattern was developed as part of the German military’s greatly expanded cold-weather clothing program following the disastrous winter of 1941-1942 on the Eastern Front. The cap retains a metal Heer eagle to the front, although the eagle’s right wing is missing, and the interior carries a faded Munich maker or production marking together with the clearly legible size and date.

The severe winter conditions encountered during the German campaign in the Soviet Union in 1941-1942 exposed serious shortcomings in existing cold-weather equipment. German troops relied extensively on improvised civilian clothing and locally acquired winter garments while more effective standardized winter equipment was developed. By the winter of 1942-1943, purpose-made fur caps and other insulated clothing were being issued in increasing numbers.

There was considerable variation in these fur caps rather than one rigid standardized model. This example follows one of the more commonly encountered patterns, with a field-gray wool crown and exterior panels, a cloth lining, and rabbit fur used on the visor and fold-down side and rear sections. Comparable surviving Heer examples show the same basic combination of wool construction, rabbit fur ear protection, cloth ties, and metal cap insignia.

This fine example is offered in fair overall condition, with virtually all of the fur intact, and the cotton outer flap lining in great shape. Unfortunately, the Heer Wehrmachtadler Eagle is missing its right wing, with the stitching for it still in place. This is the only major condition issue with this piece. The interior cotton lining is clean and undamaged, made from the same fabric as the outer lining, and there is a faint maker marking on the interior along with a size and date:

MÜTZEN
MÜNCHEN
12

55
1944

This is a known maker in Munich during World War II.

With its 1944 date, size 55 marking, field-gray wool construction, extensive original rabbit fur, surviving Heer eagle, fold-down ear and neck protection, repaired original ties, and faded Munich marking, this is a strong representative example of late-war German Army cold-weather headgear. The missing eagle wing is immediately apparent, but the cap otherwise retains much of its original construction and presents particularly well as a service-used Heer winter artifact.