Vintage 1950s American Police Winter Patrol Leather Coat

Heavy, deliberate, and built for real winter service. This mid century American police patrol coat carries the weight and authority of post war municipal production. The cut is long and structured, double breasted with a belted waist, designed to sit firmly over a uniform while maintaining warmth in exposed conditions.

Dating to the late 1940s to mid 1950s, this example retains the defining characteristics of genuine United States police issue construction. The exterior is heavyweight chrome tanned cowhide, dense and substantial in hand, with the strong open grain typical of post war municipal contract leather. The back features a full width curved shoulder yoke with centre seam construction, reinforcing the upper structure and supporting the coat’s weight across the shoulders. The surface shows natural patrol wear, particularly through the cuffs and edges where pigment abrasion reflects prolonged service use.

The chest carries a reinforced leather badge mount with four perforations, designed to secure a shield badge without stressing the hide. Waterbury Button Company brass buttons marked with the “P” designation remain in place, a standard police contract supplier throughout the period. The double breasted configuration, full waist belt, and extended length are consistent with state and municipal patrol issue across the United States.

Internally, the coat is lined in genuine sheepskin, providing substantial insulation for prolonged winter duty. The sleeves are finished in blue lining to allow smooth movement over uniform layers. Leather reinforcement panels are fitted at the underarms to prevent seam fatigue during extended wear. Wide corduroy facings run along the hem and front opening, protecting the lining and reducing friction at high wear points. The collar is also genuine sheepskin, completing the heavy winter specification.

Condition and Preservation

The coat presents in strong/ very good overall condition for its age.

The cowhide remains thick, supple, and structurally secure throughout with no cracking, splitting, or panel weakness. Surface abrasion and tonal variation are consistent with prolonged service and contribute to its developed character. All exterior hardware remains intact and functional, including the original Waterbury “P” marked buttons and waist belt.

The reinforced badge mount has been left undisturbed as part of the coat’s authentic service history. Stitching remains secure throughout. The sheepskin lining remains present and serviceable, showing age appropriate wear without structural compromise. The blue sleeve lining is intact. Underarm reinforcement panels remain sound, and the corduroy facings show light wear but remain complete.

The garment has been professionally cleaned and carefully conditioned in our workshop to maintain suppleness and preserve the integrity of the hide. No structural reconstruction to the outer leather was required.

A substantial and materially grounded example of mid century American law enforcement outerwear. Well suited to collection, occasional wear, or display, it retains the weight and presence of original issue equipment.

Key Identifying Features

• Circa late 1940s to mid 1950s production
• Heavy 3.6kg chrome tanned cowhide exterior
• Full width curved shoulder yoke with centre back seam
• Double breasted winter patrol construction
• Waterbury Button Co. “P” marked brass buttons
• Reinforced leather badge mount with four point perforation
• Genuine sheepskin lined body
• Genuine sheepskin collar
• Blue sleeve lining
• Leather underarm reinforcement panels
• Corduroy facings at hem and front opening
• Full waist belt
• Extended winter duty length

Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)

• Chest (armpit to armpit): 25"
• Shoulders (seam to seam): 21.5"
• Sleeve length (shoulder seam to cuff): 26"
• Sleeve length (underarm seam to cuff): 18"
• Back length (collar seam to hem): 33"

Best suited to a size 44-46"chest. (XL). Please compare measurements with a similar garment to ensure correct fit.