Sheepskin coat restoration..Or should I say an original first model SS-Parka

[Loulounug]

Dear forum

I'm requiering you'r assistance to find something/someone or some advise about this pretty nice coat


For a bit of history (before talking of the bad side)

When invading Russia (or former Soviet Union), the germans needed a way to protect from Generalisky Winter (same ennemy as Napoléon's story)

We all know the Heer camo parkas such the Sumpftarn camo (or the green one that was use)

(Image from Militariaplaza)


The Waffen SS got also his own coat, called "first and second" Karkhov parka, made of fur inside

(Countestry of Espenlaub militaria)

The main difference between the first and second model was the number of buttons.

But there is a "real" first model of this parka, a bit before the cloth version, it's one made of sheepskin and it was pretty rare

Here is one in wear, by an RKT officer.

And , by some luck, i'v managed to get one from the time.

But it had suffer some damage from the time and for an past owner to wear it

The damage was before covered by duck tape, and I was exepting an desastrous situation

After the duck tape removed, well... I would say that it isn't that bad but it will need something to take care of it

(Notice the decoloration due to the ducktape)

Any suggestion or qualified people for a nice restoration of it ?
Let me know
Louis.

 

[B-Man2]

These jackets were made by taking sheepskin and turning it inside out so that the sheep fur became the lining of the coat. All of that cracking and tearing is a result of dry rot and needs to be replaced . This is costly and doesn’t mean that the jacket can be worn as there may be other areas that are rotting as well . You would be better served to use this jacket as a display item . Also get it off of the mannequin or coat display that it’s hanging on . The weight of the coat will eventually cause the shoulders to have bigger tears and separations.

 

[Loulounug]

Hello B-man

Thanks for the reply

Currently the jacket is on restoration and not hanging on it , there is some cuts on the sleeves to resew

For what my contact told me, the leather is still strong on the coat itself (but feeding it will be done) and it's the only part that was really dangerous


My goal would be to restaure the shoulder to prevent it to get more damaged even if we need to get intro the sheep to stabilise it

 

[B-Man2]

Hello B-man

Thanks for the reply

Currently the jacket is on restoration and not hanging on it , there is some cuts on the sleeves to resew

For what my contact told me, the leather is still strong on the coat itself (but feeding it will be done) and it's the only part that was really dangerous


My goal would be to restaure the shoulder to prevent it to get more damaged even if we need to get intro the sheep to stabilise it

Good luck with the restoration . Please post some photos when you’re finished .

 

[Loulounug]

Hello B-Man

My apologies, I'v made a mistake when speaking

About some rotten parts of the coat, he is currently on restoration for this part

I'm looking for someone to do the shoulder part

I know there is some great hand crafters on this website, maybe if one is interested about the restoration.

 

[Micawber]

Hello B-Man

My apologies, I'v made a mistake when speaking

About some rotten parts of the coat, he is currently on restoration for this part

I'm looking for someone to do the shoulder part

I know there is some great hand crafters on this website, maybe if one is interested about the restoration.

What is your location as that will help direct you to someone who will be able to replace the damaged panels.

 

[Loulounug]

What is your location as that will help direct you to someone who will be able to replace the damaged panels.

Hello Micawber

Thanks for you'r help
Currently the coat is in Canada, I will get news from the tailor tomorrow

If needed it can be shipped

 

[Smithy]

The main difference between the first and second model was the number of buttons.

Just a small addition but "darts" were added to the hood in the second model to improve the fit of the hood over a helmet or field cap (Feldmütze).

Good luck with the resto.

You might want to make contact with Brice (user name Pilot here) as he is THE expert on Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS clobber here.

 

[dbtk44]

Wow...this is an amazing piece of history! Hope the restoration goes well!

 

[Loulounug]

Just a small addition but "darts" were added to the hood in the second model to improve the fit of the hood over a helmet or field cap (Feldmütze).

Good luck with the resto.

You might want to make contact with Brice (user name Pilot here) as he is THE expert on Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS clobber here.

Hello Smithy

Sure ! Between the first (the sheepgoat one) and the second and third model is the extention of the hood for a helmet , I'v forget that

Here, to add in, a picture of a young W-SS officer wearing it
(From Wehrmracht Award Forum topic "2 Pocket Parka")

Notice that the shoulder-boards are lacking to see his rank

Let me know

 

[Smithy]

Hello Smithy

Sure ! Between the first (the sheepgoat one) and the second and third model is the extention of the hood for a helmet , I'v forget that

Here, to add in, a picture of a young W-SS officer wearing it
(From Wehrmracht Award Forum topic "2 Pocket Parka")
View attachment 168657

Notice that the shoulder-boards are lacking to see his rank

Let me know

Terrific photo!

I'm nowhere near as knowledgable as Brice but I have an interest in Wehrmacht and especially Waffen-SS outerwear and especially their camouflage gear.

I'll be watching this, great project!

 

[Smithy]

@Pilot

Brice, you'll love this

 

[Loulounug]

Hello Forum

A few news


A cut was made to apply a patch of similar leather, with a bit of patina such as the coat.

I know that sound bad to restore a coat like this, but as there is no other examples (ony a few) knows, it's better to save the entire coat than let it fall.
If it's was a "common coat" such as the coats in Heer/Luftwaffe service or an "Ledermantel" I would not touch it

But well, this one isn't the common piece you will find in a collection.


Louis.

 

[B-Man2]

Hello Forum

A few news


A cut was made to apply a patch of similar leather, with a bit of patina such as the coat.
View attachment 169695


I know that sound bad to restore a coat like this, but as there is no other examples (ony a few) knows, it's better to save the entire coat than let it fall.
If it's was a "common coat" such as the coats in Heer/Luftwaffe service or an "Ledermantel" I would not touch it

But well, this one isn't the common piece you will find in a collection.


Louis.

Cheers to you for restoring a rare historic coat .
Regardless of what service wore the coat, it does have some historical significance.
Nicely done !