1940s Striwa German Officer’s Goatskin Leather Trench Coat

This German leather trench coat dates to the 1940s and was produced by Striwa, a respected Dresden maker known for high-grade leather garments commissioned by officers and senior officials. Pieces of this type were not standard issue. They were privately purchased through specialist workshops, chosen for material quality, fit, and durability at a time when outerwear was expected to endure prolonged wear in demanding conditions.

The coat is cut from heavy, pebble-grained goatskin, a hide favoured for its combination of strength, flexibility, and resistance to hard use. The leather has aged naturally, developing a deep, even patina with pronounced grain and subtle tonal variation across the surface. It remains firm and structured through the body while retaining movement where required, a balance typical of well-made goatskin from this period.

Construction details reflect Striwa’s careful approach to tailoring. The double-breasted front is cleanly proportioned, with wide lapels originally intended to carry insignia. An internal waist belt with steel buckles allows the coat to be drawn in securely, keeping it close to the body when worn. Adjustable cuffs are finished with woven leather buttons, an uncommon detail that adds both function and quiet refinement. A rear vent supports ease of movement without disrupting the coat’s strong vertical line.

Inside, the coat retains its original detachable moleskin lining, designed to provide warmth while remaining breathable and durable. The lining is exceptionally well preserved, showing only light age-related discolouration consistent with its years. The original Striwa Dresden maker’s label remains intact, firmly anchoring the coat’s provenance.

The coat has been professionally cleaned and conditioned in-house using workshop-appropriate methods for historic leather. The process focused on conservation rather than cosmetic change, restoring flexibility and depth of tone while preserving the surface character developed through age and wear. The goatskin remains dense and resilient, with creasing, soft abrasions, and burnished highlights that sit naturally within the grain. All original buttons, buckles, and fastenings are present and fully functional.

Overall condition is excellent for a wartime leather garment. Wear is honest and consistent with age, with no structural weakness to the leather or seams. This is a coat suited to careful wear, but it also stands confidently as a serious collection piece, valued for its material quality, construction, and historical integrity.

Key Identifying Features

• 1940s German private-purchase leather trench coat
• Maker: Striwa, Dresden
• Heavy pebble-grain goatskin with mature, even patina
• Double-breasted front with wide lapels
• Internal waist belt with steel buckles
• Original detachable moleskin lining
• Adjustable cuffs with woven leather buttons
• Rear vent for movement
• Original maker’s label present
• Professionally cleaned and conserved in-house

Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)

• Chest (armpit to armpit): 23.5 inches
• Shoulders (seam to seam): 19 inches
• Sleeve length (shoulder seam to cuff): 28 inches
• Back length (collar seam to hem): 51 inches

Best suited to a 42 relaxed or 44 regular chest. Please compare with a similar coat for accuracy.

This is a substantial and well-preserved example of German wartime leather tailoring, defined by quality materials, disciplined construction, and a surface that reflects decades of history rather than restoration.