Estimated 1940s Wehrmacht Rabbit Fur Lined Winter Jacket.
A special acquisition.
The Wehrmacht, the German military during the Nazi era from 1935 to 1945, consisted of three branches: the Heer (Army), Kriegsmarine (Navy), and Luftwaffe (Air Force).
The name Wehrmacht replaced the previous designation "Reichswehr" and represented the Nazi regime's efforts to rearm Germany beyond the limits permitted by the Treaty of Versailles.
Following Adolf Hitler's rise to power in 1933, the establishment of the Wehrmacht was among his most explicit and audacious acts.
It signified the creation of a modern, aggressive military force designed to achieve the Nazi regime's long-term objectives: reclaiming lost territories, acquiring new lands, and dominating neighboring nations.
This required the reintroduction of conscription and massive investment in military industries and defense expenditure.
Following Germany's unconditional surrender on May 8, 1945, the Allied occupation of Germany began, and the Wehrmacht was progressively dismantled.
On August 20, 1946, the Wehrmacht and all its branches were formally dissolved by the Allied High Command.
This included the Heer, Kriegsmarine, and Luftwaffe.
Following the dissolution of the Wehrmacht, Germany became a nation without military force. The subsequent rearmament of West Germany (the Federal Republic) and East Germany (the German Democratic Republic) proceeded separately within the context of the Cold War.
West Germany established the Bundeswehr (Federal Armed Forces) in 1955 and became part of NATO.
East Germany, meanwhile, established the Nationale Volksarmee (National People's Army) in 1956 and joined the Warsaw Pact.
These new military organizations were considered distinct from the Wehrmacht in tradition and structure.
Presented here is the "Rabbit Fur Lined Winter Jacket," a cold-weather service garment issued and worn during World War II by the German military.
Given the extremely limited number of surviving examples both domestically and internationally, many may be encountering such a piece for the first time.
It is frequently described as a liner jacket, yet documentation from the period confirms it was also worn as an outermost garment. It appears the piece served both functions during its time in service.
The shell is leather with genuine rabbit fur lining, rendering it exceptionally insulating and functionally superior.
Real fur is a material made from animal hides, primarily utilizing the hair naturally present on the animal's skin, either in its original form or processed.
Real fur offers exceptional warmth retention and typically conveys an impression of luxury and refinement, making it a conventional choice for high-end garments.
While originally intended to be worn with the leather facing outward, the striking quality of the rabbit fur lining suggests wearing it reversed presents a more compelling aesthetic approach.
Indeed, most who have encountered this particular piece recommend wearing it fur-side out.
All closures are glass buttons with a loop-and-button fastening system.
Ventilation apertures beneath the underarms permit controlled heat dissipation.
Beyond its rarity, when considered purely as a fashion object, this is an exceptionally striking piece. We encourage its genuine use rather than mere collection.
When worn fur-side out, women may find it particularly charming.
No size marking is visible, though the proportions suggest a Japanese size equivalent to XS–S.
The measured dimensions indicate a compact fit; those of smaller stature should find it entirely wearable.
While evidence of wear—soiling, abrasion, and repair marks—is present, no significant damage impedes function, and the piece remains entirely serviceable.
Vintage pieces employing natural fur commonly suffer considerable shedding, yet this example shows minimal hair loss—a noteworthy mark of condition.
German military items have attracted particular attention in recent years, though historically surviving Wehrmacht examples remain extraordinarily scarce, with demand substantially outpacing supply.
German military pieces maintain a dedicated following, and collectors rarely part with such archive material—it is, without question, an object of deep desire.
Equally valid as functional wardrobe, collector's piece, or design reference.
Seldom encountered either domestically or internationally, this is a rare object. Those seeking such pieces, or those drawn to uncommon items, should not overlook this opportunity.
