Original 1940s WW2 German Leather Officer Trench Coat

Dating from approximately the 1940s, this long German leather coat was made under the Gofa Lederkleidung label. It is imposing on the stand and substantial in the hand. A heavyweight leather coat of this quality was a luxury few could afford. It was bought by professional men, by motorists, and by German officers, who purchased coats like this privately rather than through the standard uniform supply.

Long leather coats, or Ledermäntel, were the finest protection available against a German winter. Before cars were within reach of most families, travel often meant motorcycles, sidecar outfits and open vehicles, and a long leather coat with a high collar, cuff straps and a closable vent was proper riding and motoring wear. Leather coats were also worn in winter by police, forestry and other uniformed services, and green in particular was associated with police and forestry service. This coat carries no service or unit markings, and it belongs to the tradition of officer-type coats made by individual leather workshops and bought privately.

The leather is a deep bottle green with a smooth, lustrous finish. It has kept its colour exceptionally well, holding a rich, even green across the body. Softer creasing runs through the sleeves, waist and skirt, and the edges have lightened slightly with wear.

Every detail was designed for the road and the weather. Worn closed, the collar stands high around the neck and fastens with a buttoned tab at the throat. Worn open, it folds down into broad notched lapels. The front closes on a concealed placket, and wide cuff straps with leather football buttons seal the sleeves against the wind. At the back, the long skirt vent closes with a row of buttond, so it can be secured for riding or driving and opened for walking. Pointed piped yokes cross the chest and upper back, and two angled welt pockets are set into the front panels.

A full leather belt runs around the waist, passing through buttoned tabs at the back and fastening at the front through two large leather-covered rectangular fittings. This is an arrangement found on German private-purchase greatcoats of the period.

Inside, a removable liner of green moleskin attaches with green-capped press studs along the front facings and vent, adding a further layer of warmth against the deepest cold. Behind the liner, the shoulders are lined in brown satin and carry the original red and cream woven Gofa label. An adjustable internal belt fastens with a Gutos buckle and holds the coat closed when worn open. There are two slit pockets set into the inner leather facings.

A substantial coat, built for the hardest of German winters.

Condition & Restoration

Excellent vintage condition for a leather coat of this age.

The leather is strong and supple, with natural creasing and light edge wear. The original bottle-green colour remains deep and even across most of the coat.

The removable moleskin liner is complete, in great condition for the age. The satin shoulder lining, Gofa label, internal belt, Gutos buckle, press studs, cuff straps, buttons and belt fittings are all present as photographed.

Professionally cleaned and conditioned in-house, using our own Heritage Leather Conditioner from the Workshop Blends range.

Key Features

• Original 1940s German private-purchase officer-type leather coat
• Made under the Gofa Lederkleidung label
• Deep bottle-green leather with a smooth, lustrous finish
• Removable green moleskin liner, attaching with press studs
• Convertible collar: high stand with throat tab, or open notched lapels
• Concealed front placket
• Pointed piped yokes to the front and back
• Two angled welt pockets
• Full leather waist belt with twin leather-covered rectangular fittings
• Buttoned belt tabs at the back
• Cuff straps with leather football buttons
• Long rear skirt vent with press-stud closure
• Brown satin shoulder lining with original woven Gofa label
• Internal adjustable belt with Gutos buckle
• Two inner slit pockets

Garment Measurements, Laid Flat

• Chest, armpit to armpit: 22" / 56 cm
• Shoulders, seam to seam: 19.5" / 49.5 cm
• Sleeve, shoulder seam to cuff: 26" / 66 cm
• Underarm seam to cuff: 17" / 43 cm
• Back length, base of collar to hem: 50" / 127 cm

Best suited to: Approximately a 38" to 40" chest / Size Small.

For the best indication of sizing, please compare the measurements above with a similar coat you already own. For any sizing questions, please get in touch.