This is a rare great quality vintage Swedish Army Mats Larsson WWII era off white canvas parka coat with a genuine sheepskin collar and lining. Used and in fair to good vintage condition for the age with general heavy signs of use, abrasion, discolouration and marks throughout. This coat has bags of character.
The Swedes know cold. They have to: the weather conditions in Sweden are deadly serious with extreme cold weather. If a product can survive in Sweden, it will survive anywhere. So, when the Swedish Government decides it needs a coat for its army, it's going to be a great coat: the M1909 is that coat.
Sourced from various suppliers by the Swedish Army, the M1909 was manufactured to an exacting specification. Stamped with the Swedish Army Three Crowns seal (Swedish: Tre Kronor) which is the national emblem of Sweden, and size 2.
The M1909 is a garment that can literally stand up on its own: it's a very heavy coat and this one is approximately 3.3kg. It has a durable canvas top layer, with a double stitched lining of sheepskin. The collar is also lined, and is so large and high that the wearer almost disappears behind it. The M1909 also has cavernous, rucksack-like pockets to cater for all your survival needs.
When you're wearing an M1909, people stop and stare: it's an intimidating piece of kit. The Swedes call them Livpals - translated as 'life fur'-, and they are indeed a coat for life.
All my vintage listings unless otherwise stated are true vintage and have been worn before, therefore they will typically show signs of wear and will not smell like new, which is all part of the vintage look and appeal.
COLOUR: Off White
SIZE: 2 and this fits like M (UK Sizing) with a 46in full external chest and the overall fit - but it depends how loose you like to wear, and please note it has thick sheepskin internally so you need to allow room for movement (please see below for all key measurements to check against a similar garment of your own to ensure a good fit).
FABRIC: 100% Sheepskin with 100% Cotton Canvas Shell
DETAILS:
- Button front fastening
- Large front bellow pockets with 3 button fastening
- Openings under the arms for ventilation
- Adjustable button cuffs
- Fabric back neck hanger loop
- Internal upper chest button flap
- Large collar with sheepskin cover
- Collar fastens securely with button flap and metal clasp
- Rear centre hem vent
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR SIZE: Please DO NOT solely rely on the listed size for your correct fit. Designers often use different measurements for sizes depending on the overall look they desire, so sizes can not only vary brand to brand but also within the same brand. Also, for vintage and pre-worn items the shape may have changed after years of being worn. The best way to ensure your correct fit is to compare the measurements listed to a similar item that fits you well.
EXTERNAL MEASUREMENTS: Please check against a similar garment of your own that fits you well, measuring flat and fully zipped or buttoned up (if applicable) on a flat surface:
A - CHEST - armpit to armpit (double for full chest): 23in (58.5cm)
B - SLEEVE - shoulder seam to cuff end: 25.5in (64.5cm)
C - SHOULDER - distance between shoulder seams straight across at the back: 20in (50.5cm)
D - LENGTH - at the centre back from the base of the collar to the hem: 36in (91cm)
SSS015 A2