This rare German leather trench coat, dating from the late 1930s to mid-1940s, captures the imposing character of the Ledermantel — a privately purchased officer’s coat favoured across the Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe during the Second World War. Heavy, protective, and sharply cut, it is a garment built as much for endurance as for presence.
Crafted from substantial 3.7kg goatskin, the coat carries all the hallmarks of wartime German tailoring: broad lapels, a belted waist with a matching leather-covered buckle, and a throat latch designed to fasten high against wind and rain. A pointed rear yoke defines the shoulders, while the sleeves are fitted with adjustable straps and small buckles with D-rings — a functional detail allowing the cuffs to be tightened securely over gloves, reflecting its intended use in the field.
The lining is original and striking in its tartan check — an unusual choice compared to the plainer cotton or rayon more typically found in German military coats of the era. This distinctive interior adds both rarity and individuality, suggesting the coat was a higher-grade private purchase rather than a standard issue piece. Time has shaped the surface with creasing, patina, and age-toned wear, lending authenticity and depth to the leather. Although the garment has been professionally cleaned, there remain some marks at the bottom of the inner lining commensurate with its age, along with areas of stitching from previous repairs and light wear consistent with over eight decades of existence. These traces only enhance its authenticity and historical resonance.
This is more than just a coat — it is a cultural artifact, embodying the design language and material authority of its time. For collectors, it offers an authentic example of WWII-era tailoring; for vintage connoisseurs, it stands as a striking, wearable statement piece with an undeniable aura.
Professional Restoration Process
This exceptional garment has undergone our meticulous 7–10 day restoration process, combining time-honoured techniques with advanced cleaning technology. Our specialist leather cleaning and conditioning treatments have preserved the authentic patina while eliminating degradation. The leather has been carefully reshaped to restore its original military silhouette, and specialised antimicrobial treatments have effectively eliminated all bacteria deep within the fabrics — ensuring this historical piece is not only aesthetically preserved but also stable for long-term collection and display.
Key Identifying Features
- Cuff straps with small buckles and D-rings: a practical wartime feature for tightening sleeves, consistent with German military coats of the period
- Belt with matching leather buckle: a design associated with German officer, Gestapo, and Luftwaffe coats of the 1930s–40s
- High fastening throat latch: military functional design to guard against wind and weather
- Back yoke with pointed scalloped seam: seen in authentic German Ledermantel examples
- Lining: original tartan check — an uncommon feature that points to private purchase or custom tailoring
- Leather: goatskin — lighter and more flexible than horsehide, yet highly durable, making it a prized material for officer-quality coats
Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)
- Chest (armpit to armpit): 22.5"
- Shoulders (seam to seam): 18"
- Sleeve length (shoulder seam to cuff): 27.5"
- Back length (collar seam to hem): 451"
Best suited for a size 42 regular fit. Please compare with a similar jacket for accuracy.
This coat represents not just a rare military artefact, but a testament to the unsurpassed quality of German military leatherwork from this pivotal historical period — preserved in exceptional condition that belies its eight decades of existence.
