Vintage 1940s Swedish M1909 Livpäls Sheepskin Military Parka Matts Larsson

The Swedish M1909 Livpäls is one of the most distinctive pieces of Scandinavian cold-weather clothing, combining a hard-wearing military canvas exterior with an extraordinarily substantial natural sheepskin interior. Designed for protection through severe Swedish winters, its construction is simple, purposeful and exceptionally robust.

Dating to circa the 1940s, this example retains its original Matts Larsson manufacturer's label together with the Swedish Three Crowns military marking. While no individual year stamp is visible, the surviving manufacturer and military markings, together with the construction of the coat, are consistent with wartime-era M1909 production.

The outer shell is constructed from densely woven olive cotton canvas, providing a durable protective layer over the sheepskin beneath. Inside, thick natural fleece extends throughout the garment and remains remarkably full and resilient, giving the coat the considerable insulation and physical presence for which the M1909 is known.

The large contrasting shearling collar is one of its defining features. Worn open, it forms a broad protective collar around the shoulders. When raised and secured, it extends high around the neck to provide considerably greater shelter in exposed winter conditions.

The remainder of the construction is equally functional. A substantial overlapping storm front protects the main button closure, with reinforced fabric loops securing the buttons. Two large lower bellows pockets provide generous storage beneath shaped buttoned flaps, while adjustable tabs allow the cuffs to be drawn closer around the wrists.

Although externally generous, the proportions of these coats can be deceptive. The considerable depth of the natural sheepskin occupies a significant amount of internal space, so actual garment measurements should always be considered alongside the thickness of the lining when assessing fit.

What makes this particular coat especially appealing is its state of preservation. The canvas, sheepskin and original detailing have survived remarkably well, while the Matts Larsson label and Three Crowns marking retain an important connection to its original Swedish military history.

A particularly well-preserved circa 1940s example of the M1909 Livpäls, combining identifiable Matts Larsson manufacture, surviving Swedish military markings and the formidable natural materials that make these coats so distinctive.

Condition & Preservation

Very good vintage condition and particularly well preserved for a garment of this age.

The heavyweight cotton canvas remains remarkably clean, strong and structurally excellent, showing only light signs of age and use expected from an original vintage military garment.

The natural sheepskin lining is particularly well preserved, retaining exceptional density and resilience. The fleece remains full and substantial throughout, with tonal variation visible across the interior, including areas of darker colouration.

The garment has been professionally dry cleaned, and these variations remain within the established character of the original sheepskin. With natural fleece of this age, it is not possible to determine whether individual variations originate from the natural colouring of the sheepskin itself or have developed gradually through decades of wear, storage and ageing. They have therefore been left as they are rather than attempting to alter the appearance of the original fleece.

The contrasting darker shearling collar remains similarly full and well preserved. Seams, buttons, reinforced fastening loops, pocket flaps, cuff adjusters and the principal structural details remain secure and sound. There are no repairs to note.

The original Matts Larsson manufacturer's label remains clearly present, together with the Swedish Three Crowns military marking.

The parka has been professionally dry cleaned and reproofed in-house in our workshop, with the process carefully undertaken to preserve the original materials, structure and character of the garment.

Key Identifying Features

• Swedish M1909 Livpäls
• Circa 1940s
• Wartime-era Swedish military construction
• Original Matts Larsson manufacturer's label
• Swedish Three Crowns military marking
• Heavyweight woven cotton canvas shell
• Olive military canvas
• Full natural sheepskin lining
• Exceptionally dense cream fleece interior
• Natural tonal variation within the original fleece
• Contrasting darker shearling collar
• Large protective convertible collar
• Reinforced button-front closure
• Overlapping storm front
• Reinforced fabric button loops
• Large lower bellows pockets
• Shaped buttoned pocket flaps
• Adjustable buttoned cuffs
• Original buttons and detailing
• Professionally dry cleaned and reproofed in-house
• Very good vintage condition

Garment Measurements, Laid Flat

• Chest, armpit to armpit: 27"
• Shoulders, seam to seam: 23"
• Sleeve length, shoulder seam to cuff: 27.5"
• Sleeve length, underarm seam to cuff: 20"
• Back length, collar seam to hem: 40"

Best fitted for a size (XL) 46 chest. The exceptionally thick natural sheepskin lining considerably reduces the usable internal space. The external dimensions of the coat should therefore not be interpreted in the same way as those of an unlined garment.