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 garments came in a variety of styles and colors for specific personnel. This particular style of protective leather pants were generally 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. Officers and certain senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and as a result were allotted a clothing allowance through the OKK, Offizier Kleiderkasse der Kriegsmarine, (Officer’s Clothing Account of the Navy). 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: Multi-panel, grey leather construction straight legged, long pants feature a four button French fly with an additional metal hook and eye positioned on the horizontal waistband. The horizontal waistband rights slightly higher at the reverse with the typical, "V" slash to the reverse center and eight, evenly spaced, suspender attachment buttons. The pants have two, vertical, side seam, slash, front pockets and a small, horizontal, slash watch pocket, to the right side of the fly. The reverse of the pants have two, short, vertical, tapering darts and two, horizontal, fit adjustment straps with a corresponding, nickel/silver plated, opened rectangular, dual claw, sheet metal fit adjustment buckle. The pants have straight cut, dual-ply, non-adjustable cuffs. The interior of the pants are fully lined in light weight, grey cotton. The lining has the stitch outline and remnants of a white fabric label. The pants are in overall very good condition with minor age and usage toning and areas of light to moderate chafe wear, primarily caused by fold creases. The pants appear to have been treated and the leather is still quite soft and supple. The buttons are the carved wooden type and al appear to have their original stitching. The pants are roughly size 38" waist.

GRADE ***1/2                             PRICE $240.00