BACKGROUND: Besides the helmet, the tall Marching/Jack boots are probably one of the most instantly recognizable items of the German military. The Germans concern with leather shortages was evident as early as September 1939 when issue of the traditional tall leather marching boot was restricted to personnel serving in the field. Regulations in November 1939 shortened the tall leather marching boot in an attempt to conserve leather and additional regulations in August 1940, introduced the canvas gaiters to be worn with the short lace up ankle boots, and issued to all second line troops in a further effort to conserve leather. By 1941 the short lace up ankle boots and gaiters were issued to all new recruits in place of the marching boot as a cost and leather saving technique. By 1943 with increased leather shortages the gaiter’s and lace up ankle boots were issued in ever larger quantities and production of the tall marching boots was discontinued altogether. Generally both the tall marching boots and the short lace-up ankle boots were issued with an assorted number of hobnails on the forward soles depending on the actual size of the boots. The main function of the hobnails was to help preserve wear to the leather soles and they also provided additional traction. Of Note: Many mounted and armored personnel omitted the hobnails on their boots as it was determined they weren’t required for mounted personnel and armored personnel found they made walking on the metal surfaces of armored vehicles difficult.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The group consists of roughly eighty (80), 8mm diameter, tooled polished natural steel construction hobnails. The tops of the hobnails have eight sloping side panels and a small, flat, circular centerpiece while the bottoms have an extended, ribbed attachment nail.