Vintage 1940s German Officer Horsehide Leather Trench Coat

This leather trench coat represents an exceptional example of German officer military outerwear from the late interwar to early wartime period. Produced in Germany during the late 1930s to early 1940s, it reflects a period when privately commissioned garments existed alongside issued uniform, allowing officers and professionals to specify superior materials, tailoring, and finish beyond standard regulation pieces.

The design is authoritative and purposeful. Cut long through the body and belted at the waist, the silhouette is clean, imposing, and distinctly functional. Proportions are balanced to sit close to the frame while still allowing ease of movement, with details engineered for cold, exposed conditions rather than decorative intent.

Constructed from exceptionally dense vegetable-tanned horsehide, the leather is of outstanding quality. The hide remains thick and structured through the body, while the arms display beautifully developed natural grain, a characteristic associated with high-grade horsehide that has aged correctly rather than broken down. Despite its substance, the leather remains notably pliable, particularly through the sleeves, retaining a responsive, supple hand that speaks to both the quality of the original tanning and careful long-term preservation. The surface shows a rich, even patina with subtle tonal depth developed through decades of natural ageing, not wear or artificial enhancement. Structural integrity across all panels remains excellent.

Internally, the coat is lined in heavy moleskin, a premium and durable choice that adds warmth and weight while reinforcing the utilitarian intent of the garment. An internal breast pocket provides practical storage in keeping with period construction. The exterior features a distinctive asymmetrical chest pocket secured with a period-correct RIES metal zip, a detail commonly seen on high-quality private-purchase officer garments of the era.

The waist is defined by a full external belt, secured at the front by a single stitched-in buckle, maintaining a clean, balanced line through the body. The cuffs are finished with fixed buckle detailing consistent with period officer-style construction, serving as a structural and decorative element rather than an adjustable feature. A structured shoulder yoke reinforces both durability and fit. At the rear, a split vent allows ease of movement and can be secured closed with a button fastening when required. A throat latch at the collar provides additional protection in adverse conditions. Leather-covered buttons at the collar, cuffs, and rear vent complete the construction with a restrained, officer-grade finish.

Hardware throughout appears original and correct for the period, with no modern replacements or later alterations. The overall impression is one of authority, restraint, and longevity, a garment built to endure demanding use while maintaining a commanding presence.

Condition and Preservation

The coat has been professionally cleaned to remove decades of embedded soiling, then carefully finished using our Heritage leather conditioner to replenish essential oils appropriate to this grade of horsehide. This work was carried out with restraint, preserving the original surface character and patina while restoring suppleness and long-term stability. No cosmetic alteration or artificial enhancement has been undertaken.

Condition is excellent for the period. The horsehide remains strong and sound with no thinning or structural weakness, retaining both structure and flexibility. The moleskin lining is clean and well preserved. All zips, buttons, belts, buckles, and fastenings remain intact and fully functional. The coat presents as a rare, high-quality example of German officer-style leather outerwear from the late interwar and early wartime era, preserved with respect for its material and historical context.

Key Identifying Features

• Late 1930s to early 1940s German officer-style leather coat
• Private-purchase construction rather than standard issue
• Exceptionally dense 3.4kg vegetable-tanned horsehide
• Naturally grained arms with notably supple, pliable leather
• Long belted silhouette with authoritative, functional cut
• Moleskin interior lining
• Asymmetrical exterior chest pocket with period-correct RIES zip
• Internal breast pocket consistent with period construction
• Full exterior waist belt with double buckle adjustment
• Buckled cuffs for wind protection and fit control
• Rear split vent with button fastening
• Throat latch at collar for additional weather protection
• Structured shoulder yoke and clean panel layout
• Leather-covered buttons throughout
• Original period hardware, no modern replacements
• Professionally cleaned and conservatively conditioned
• Excellent vintage condition with original character intact

Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)

• Chest (armpit to armpit): 23.5"
• Shoulders (seam to seam): 18.5"
• Sleeve length (shoulder seam to cuff): 26"
• Sleeve length (underarm to cuff): 17"
• Back length (collar seam to hem): 48"

Best suited to a 42-44 chest. Please compare these measurements with a similar garment for best fit.