WWII French Army M35 Tank Crew Leather Jacket - Small (38)

Grit, Oil & Fire – Built for Battle

This is more than just a jacket—it’s a living relic from the dawn of mechanised warfare. An original WWII French Army M35 Tank Crew Leather Jacket, it was issued to the elite armoured divisions of the French Army during the 1930s and early 1940s. Constructed from robust vegetable-tanned horsehide and lined with heavy cotton-drill canvas, it was built to withstand the cramped, punishing conditions of tank interiors—where grit, oil, and fire were everyday realities.

Cut to protect and insulate soldiers in combat, this jacket’s deep patina and well-worn character speak to a storied past. Large bakelite buttons, reinforced seams, and an official military stamp on the interior lining highlight its wartime authenticity. Each crease, scuff, and field repair tells a tale of resilience, capturing the spirit of a generation that fought against overwhelming odds.

Distinctive Craftsmanship & Design

• Vegetable-Tanned Horsehide: Dense, durable leather that has developed a deep patina, testifying to its service history.
• Heavy Cotton-Drill Lining: Stamped with official military markings, it provided warmth and durability for tank crews.
• Bakelite Buttons & Reinforced Seams: Reflect the wartime economy and practical design choices of the era.
• Field-Worn Character: Hand-stitched repairs, sun-faded sleeves, and naturally distressed surfaces celebrate its authentic, battle-tested heritage.

Features & Details

• Era: 1930s to early 1940s (WWII French Army)
• Material: Vegetable-tanned horsehide leather
• Lining: Heavy cotton-drill canvas with military stamp
• Hardware: Large brown bakelite buttons
• Design: Double-breasted front, designed for protection and warmth in tank interiors

Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)

• Chest (armpit to armpit): 21"
• Underarm to Cuff: 17.5"
• Shoulder Seam to Cuff: 25.5"
• Across Shoulders: 18"
• Back Length (bottom of collar to hem): 31"

Best suited for a men’s 38 Regular. Though it can be worn occasionally, this piece is equally—if not more—valuable as a collector’s display. Please compare these measurements to a similar garment you own for accurate sizing.

Condition & Restoration

This jacket has been professionally cleaned and conditioned using specialist techniques tailored to heritage leather, preserving its structural integrity and historical value.

• Specialist Leather Cleaning: Decades of embedded grime and bacteria were gently removed, restoring suppleness to the horsehide without erasing its storied patina.
• Original Hardware Preserved: The large bakelite buttons remain intact, with careful cleaning to maintain their finish and patina.
• Interior Lining: Delicately cleaned, retaining the official military stamp and field-worn authenticity.

Though structurally sound, this jacket is best suited for display or occasional wear, honouring its delicate nature and historical significance. Every crease, sun-faded sleeve, and hand-stitched repair serves as a testament to the men who wore it—and the battles it survived.