Kharkov Anorak

[Ralph Heinz]

I have a chance to obtain an SS "Kharkov" pattern Anorak brought back by an Infantry Captain in the 90th Div. His unit was one of the first to meet the Russians so he may have gotten it from someone fleeing capture by them and into the American lines.

It's in nice condition -- all the sheep skin lining and rabbit fur (in the hood) are in fine shape. It shows soiling on the sleeves and around the bottom of the coat probably from the mud of Russia. It is marked with a "1" in ink inside the left front button flap. There are no rips or tears or repairs.

These are a pull-over and are different from the rabbit fur lined anoraks worn by the Heer and they appear to be quite scarce. I saw one go for big bucks some years ago on Manions' but what are they worth today as I don't really know what to offer and what it's worth?

[Mike C]

Hi Ralph,

That is a nice piece and rare - most of the so-called Kharkov parkas are really later-war pieces that fully open down the middle. This is the real deal. My guess on value? $1500-2000 - but it is a guess.

If you don't want it - let me know!

Mike

[JOHN VD HEIJDEN]

Hi Ralph,

That is a nice piece and rare - most of the so-called Kharkov parkas are really later-war pieces that fully open down the middle. This is the real deal. My guess on value? $1500-2000 - but it is a guess.

If you don't want it - let me know!

Mike

Hello Mike
A first type charkov-anorak in this condition for that kind of money
I Rather would say 50 % of a mint palm smock

[Mike C]

Hi Johnny,

I wouldn't want to steer Ralph wrong - I take it you think it is worth about $4000 US? I simply haven't seen one for so long; was taking my value off W-SS camo parkas currently on the market plus the prices I've seen for two of the padded W-SS panzer coveralls that were also used at Kharkov (none of which were close to 4K!!)

Al the best,

Mike

[JOHN VD HEIJDEN]

re

Hello Mike ther are 3 normall type,s of these anorak,s this one is the rarest and most wanted one

You also have one with Italian-camo-cloth that is going for about 500 -600$
also with rabbit fuhr

The first type has a very large hood this can also cover the helmet , and has bottom -pockets

the second type a smaller-hood and no lower-pockets

third type non pleated pockets and a full unbutton front( so no real Anorak)

[Ralph Heinz]

SS Anorak

I'll post a photo of the hood itself. You can see it is very large and fully lined with rabbit fur to cover the helmet. This veteran brought back quite a number of souvenirs including several SS items.

[Ralph Heinz]

Back of Anorak

This photo shows the back view of the anorak. You can see some of the soil stains and I know that the US veteran who brought it home never wore this -- he got it this way so it probably saw combat in eastern Russia. It does have the lower pockets and a drawstring around the waist and one for the hood.

If this one could only talk.

[Remy Spezzano]

Mike,

That's a really nice anorak! The number "1" ink stamp is a size indicator.
1= Small
2=Medium
3=Large

It's not realistic to compare SS camo items to a non camo item when trying determining a selling price. Camo is camo period. It all comes down to supply and demand. Many collectors pass on the anoraks because they are a non camo item, so the value is half that of what SS camo sells for.

The going rate for a MINT unissued pull over model like the one you have shown is around $$1,000 to $1,200. This is the top price. Actually you can find SS anoraks still out there for sale below a $1,000 on e-bay. The later model types which button up like a jacket also sell for around the same price. Only a serious collector who is trying to complete his collection will put a higher value on the pull over type model.

Offer the vet $600 to start and work your way up from there with $1,000 being the cap. Good luck!