BACKGROUND: Protective leather jackets, pants and coveralls were listed as special clothing and were issued to engine personnel, certain deck and bridge personnel and U-Boat personnel when engaged in specific functions. The protective leather garments came in a variety of styles and colors for specific personnel. This particular style of protective leather jacket was designed for use by engine personnel. Of Note: The German’s concern with leather shortages was evident as early as July 1937 when the Kriegsmarine issued regulations that the protective leather uniforms were only to be issued when necessary in at attempt to conserve the leather and that they were to be returned to a vessels stores for reissued as required, although it appears the order was not strictly adhered to. Officer and certain senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and as a result were allotted a clothing allowance through the Navy’s Offizierkleiderkasse, (Officer’s Clothing Account) system. Generally speaking officers bought nice quality, private purchase, uniform items but they could also choose to buy their uniforms directly from the military clothing depots. Although enlisted personnel were issued their uniforms from government supplies they were also permitted to purchase privately tailored uniforms although the price may have been restrictive.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The three-quarter length, multi-panel, blackened leather construction jacket features a vertical, five button front closure with a single metal hook and eye positioned at the forward neckline and a small stand-up collar. The left breast of the jacket has a horizontal slash pocket with a straight edged overlapping flap. The jacket also has two, horizontal slash, forward hip pockets also with straight edged overlapping flaps. The straight cut sleeve cuffs have a horizontal, button holed, leather strap, machine stitched to the inside sleeve seam with two, corresponding fit adjustment buttons. Only one button remains on each cuff. The reverse of the jacket has a central, vertical, seam with no tail skirt vent. The interior of the jacket is fully lined in heavy, mottled, charcoal grey, wool with a brushed, black, rayon lining to the sleeves. The interior right breast has a leather reinforced, horizontal slash pocket. The sleeve lining has the addition of charcoal grey wool "storm cuffs" with tunnel looped elastics to the ends. The storm cuff elastics still retain some of the elasticity. The jacket has no visible size or manufacturer’s markings. The jacket is in overall good condition with small areas of light to moderate chafe wear and a couple of small tears. The leather is still quite supple and pliable. The buttons are a combination of the bright, silver washed, pebbled, magnetic sheet metal and alloy types and all appear to have been restitched. These are not the correct buttons for the coat, it would have originally had the anchor buttons. The protective leather jackets were intended to fit over the standard service uniform and were cut large as result although this example is only roughly a size 36" chest.

GRADE ***1/2                             PRICE $760.00