Original Bulgarian WW2 Lamb suit German model for Pilots and Motorists
In World War II, Bulgaria saw the alliance with fascist Germany as an opportunity to satisfy its territorial claims unsatisfied after the WWI. As an ally of the Austrian Hungarian Empire and Germany, Bulgaria was supplied with all types of military equipment from these two countries. The equipment of the Bulgarian pilots was either German, or made in Bulgaria as the German model was followed.
During WWII Bulgaria supplied the German Wehrmaht with uniforms like the one below we are offering, so that the fighting Germans could survive during the severe conditions of the so called “Russian winter”. The lamb’s suits were mainly used by the pilots and rest of flying crew. However, they were also employed by tank men and motorists if necessary.
You can see below an original photo of Bulgarian WW2 pilots. If you are interested in purchasing a pilot cap and gloves such as on the photo, please, do not hesitate to contact us.
The fleece is used as natural lining inside of the suit and collar to provide protection of wind. It is made after the German model - Flieger-Schutzanzug fur Winter (Kombination), type KW 1/33. The buttons of the suits fabricated for the Bulgarian royal army are made of yellow color metal, and have a lion-symbol with a crown on. The buttons of the suits for the German army are grey, flat and made of metal as the ones of the hat have the lettering: "For gentlemen".
The model of the suit we are offering to you can be dated back to the beginning of WWII. This very model was made for the Wehrmaht, too, especially for the East front where Russian winter became notorious for taking too many peopleÂ’s lives. This particular suit is part of a batch made for the Germans but it was worn in Bulgaria. The reason why we think that the suit is made for the Germans is the fact that the metal buttons are of a different, grey-colored type. In comparison, the suits sewn for the Bulgarians were characterized by brown bakelite buttons produced in Bulgaria.
What is to mention is that there is one shoulder board button missing but the rest are there. Obviously, while the soldier wore the suit, two buttons have fallen. The soldier replaced them with Bulgarian buttons as there might have been none of the German ones available. You can see photos of the different buttons below.
The suit has 2 flap hand pockets and a side breast pocket. The straps of the legs and sleeves can be adjusted. The item is in absolutely authentic condition, although it seems to have been worn for some time. The skin is well preserved even on the inside, which is rare to come across.
view full size
