Original 1960s–70s West German Wasserschutzpolizei Leather River Police Jacket

An original West German Wasserschutzpolizei leather jacket dating from approximately the 1960s to early 1970s, belonging to an earlier generation of specialist uniform worn by the police responsible for Germany's rivers, canals, harbours and navigable waterways. Before modern technical patrol clothing became commonplace, substantial leather offered practical protection against wind and exposed conditions on the water. The result was a distinctive form of working uniform, combining the authority of police dress with construction rooted firmly in Germany's maritime tradition.

This example has an imposing naval-influenced silhouette. The long body is cut with a double-breasted front beneath broad pointed lapels, with two rows of gold-toned anchor buttons immediately establishing its connection with the water police. Pronounced shaped yokes sweep across the upper chest and shoulders before continuing into the back, where broad leather panels and a substantial half-belt treatment give the jacket considerably more shape than conventional uniform outerwear.

Much of its original police identity survives. Gold-striped rank shoulder boards remain fitted at each shoulder, complete with their winged metal insignia. The original police sleeve badge is no longer present, with discreet evidence of its former position remaining on the sleeve, consistent with a service garment from which identifying insignia was removed after use. One front button has also been sympathetically replaced with a closely matched example. The surviving insignia is left to speak for itself, without assigning a specific rank or regional police force where the remaining evidence does not allow that attribution with confidence.

The working nature of the jacket becomes clearer on closer examination. Two vertical welt hand pockets sit above two substantial lower flap pockets, providing useful storage without disturbing the formal double-breasted front. Inside, the original dark lining remains in place, together with an internal zipped pocket retaining period German RIES hardware. These practical details sit alongside the anchor buttons and shoulder boards, combining maritime uniform tradition with clothing intended for regular police service.

The leather has developed exactly the kind of character that suits a jacket with this history. Its deep naval blue colour remains particularly distinctive, with protected areas retaining a darker tone while the collar and other repeated contact points have developed lighter tonal variation and natural patina. Fine surface marks, gentle creasing and softened areas record genuine use without compromising the hide, which remains soft, pliable and substantial. With its surviving shoulder boards, anchor buttons and period RIES hardware, this is an unusual surviving piece of post-war West German water police uniform.

Condition & Restoration

Very good vintage condition. The blue leather remains soft, pliable and structurally sound throughout, with no cracking or damage to the hide. There are the usual light marks, surface wear and gentle creasing expected from age and service, together with naturally developed patina around the collar and other high-contact areas.

The original dark interior remains well preserved, together with the surviving shoulder boards, insignia and period RIES zipper hardware.

The original police sleeve badge is no longer present, with discreet evidence of its former position remaining on the sleeve. One front button has been replaced with a sympathetic closely matched replacement.

The jacket has been specialist leather cleaned and conditioned in-house, with care taken to preserve its established character. The period RIES zipper has been refurbished, cleaned, waxed and polished and operates smoothly. The buttons, insignia and remaining hardware have also been carefully cleaned.

Key Features

• Original West German Wasserschutzpolizei leather jacket
• Circa 1960s to early 1970s
• German water and river police uniform
• Deep naval blue leather
• Long double-breasted construction
• Broad pointed collar and lapels
• Gold-toned anchor buttons
• Original gold-striped rank shoulder boards
• Winged metal shoulder insignia
• Shaped front and rear shoulder yokes
• Broad rear half-belt detail
• Two vertical welt hand pockets
• Two substantial lower flap pockets
• Original dark interior
• Internal zipped pocket
• Period German RIES zipper hardware
• Natural patina around the collar and contact areas
• One sympathetic closely matched replacement front button
• Very good vintage condition
• Specialist restored in-house

Garment Measurements, Laid Flat

• Chest, armpit to armpit: 24"
• Shoulders, seam to seam: 19.5"
• Shoulder seam to cuff: 25"
• Underarm seam to cuff: 16.5"
• Back length, base of collar to hem: 33.5"

Labelled Size 52. Best suited to approximately a 42" chest, Size Large, allowing room for layering. It may also accommodate a 44" chest for a closer fit with lighter clothing.

For the best indication of fit, please compare the measurements above with a similar jacket you already own.