BACKGROUND: Protective leather jackets, pants and coveralls were listed as special clothing and were issued to engine personnel, certain deck and bridge personnel and U-Boat personnel when engaged in specific functions. The protective garments came in a variety of styles and colors for specific personnel. This particular style of protective leather pants were generally designed for use by engine personnel. Of Note: The German’s concern with leather shortages was evident as early as July 1937 when the Kriegsmarine issued regulations that the protective leather uniforms were only to be issued when necessary in at attempt to conserve the leather and that they were to be returned to a vessel’s stores for reissued as required, although it appears the order was not strictly adhered to. Officers and certain senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and as a result were allotted a clothing allowance through the OKK, Offizier Kleiderkasse der Kriegsmarine, (Officer’s Clothing Account of the Navy). Generally speaking officers bought nice quality, private purchase, uniform items but they could also choose to buy their uniforms directly from the military clothing depots. Although enlisted personnel were issued their uniforms from government supplies they were also permitted to purchase privately tailored uniforms although the price may have been restrictive.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Multi-panel, blackened leather construction straight legged, long pants feature a three button French fly with an additional metal hook and eye positioned on the horizontal waistband. The horizontal waistband rights slightly higher at the reverse with the typical, "V" slash to the reverse center and the original suspender attachment buttons are intact. The pants have two, vertical, side seam, slash, front pockets with ornamental, scalloped reinforcement stitching. The reverse of the pants have two, horizontal, fit adjustment straps with the adjustment buckle missing. The pants have straight cut, dual-ply, non-adjustable cuffs. The interior of the pants are fully lined in light weight, bluish/grey cotton/rayon. The leather is in overall very good condition with minor age storage wear. The buttons are the molded black bakelite type and all appear to have their original stitching. The lining appears to be in pristine condition. The protective leather uniforms were intended to fit over the standard service uniform and were cut large as result. The pants are roughly size 36" waist. Excellent makers tag with a 1939 date. Nice!