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, blackened leather construction straight legged long pants feature a four button French fly with an additional metal hook and eye positioned on the waistband. The pants have two, slightly diagonally angled, slash, front pockets. The horizontal waistband rights slightly higher at the reverse and has six, evenly spaced, vertical belt loops. The reverse of the pants have two, short, vertical, tapering darts. The lower outside seam of the right leg has an unusual, narrow, vertical, rectangular patch pocket. The pants have straight cut, non-adjustable cuffs. The interior is fully lined in light weight, grey/green cotton. The lining has four, evenly spaced, suspender attachment buttons and an additional two, vertically extended, leather tabs with a single button to each at the reverse center. The pants have no visible size or manufacturer’s markings but do have a handwritten name. The pants are in overall very good condition with light chafe wear and light to moderate moisture spotting and the leather is still quite supple. The buttons are the molded black bakelite type and most appear to have their original stitching. The pants are roughly size 34" waist.

GRADE ***3/4                             PRICE $410.00