Original WW2 German Horsehide Leather Trench Coat

This exceptional German leather trench coat dates to the 1940s and represents the type of privately purchased leather outerwear often worn by German officers during the Second World War. Unlike standard issued garments, coats of this kind were typically acquired privately by officers who required something more substantial and durable than regulation cloth uniforms. Constructed from heavyweight horsehide, the coat carries the weight, structure, and material authority expected of wartime officer grade leatherwear.

Finished in a rare brown cognac tone, the leather has matured beautifully over the decades. The surface shows rich depth of colour with natural grain movement and creasing throughout, creating the kind of patina that only develops through long periods of genuine use. The hide itself remains dense and substantial, reflecting the quality of leather used in high grade European garments of the wartime period.

The coat follows the classic German officer trench silhouette, combining military presence with practical functionality. A broad lapelled double breasted front leads into a long structured body, while the waist belt allows the coat to be tightened and shaped against the wind. Buckled cuff adjusters provide further adjustment and reinforce the functional design language seen in many wartime leather garments.

One particularly notable construction feature is the internal body belt system. This internal strap runs inside the coat to help distribute the garment’s considerable weight across the shoulders while maintaining the coat’s structure when worn. This type of construction appears on some higher quality German leather coats from the period and demonstrates a thoughtful level of tailoring rarely seen in ordinary civilian garments.

Inside, the coat is lined with substantial moleskin designed to provide warmth and comfort in colder climates. The lining shows wear consistent with the coat’s age and long service life. Beneath one arm there is a historic stitch repair and at the upper back lining a reinforcement patch has been applied during the coat’s working life. These period repairs have been retained as part of the coat’s history and remain secure.

As expected from an original garment approaching eighty years old, the coat shows surface wear and character throughout the leather. These marks are the honest record of decades of use and contribute to the coat’s depth, authenticity, and visual presence. The structure remains strong and the coat remains fully wearable today.

Key Identifying Features

• Original 1940s German officer style leather trench coat
• Likely privately purchased officer garment rather than regulation issue
• Constructed from heavyweight horsehide
• Rare brown cognac leather tone
• Classic double breasted trench silhouette
• Waist belt with adjustable buckle closure
• Buckled cuff adjusters
• Internal body belt construction
• Large notched lapels typical of the period
• Deep front pockets set into the body panels
• Substantial moleskin lining throughout
• Historic underarm stitch repair retained as part of the garment’s history
• Natural age patina across the leather surface
• Professionally cleaned and conditioned

Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)

• Chest armpit to armpit: 25"
• Shoulders seam to seam: 21"
• Sleeve length shoulder seam to cuff: 26.5"
• Sleeve length underarm to cuff: 17"
• Back length collar seam to hem: 41"

Best suited to approximately a 46 inch chest depending on desired fit. Please compare these measurements with a similar coat to ensure correct sizing.