Germany, Wehrmacht. A Pair of Leather Protective Trousers, Kriegsmarine and Panzer Issue, by Rudolf Rinne

(Wehrmacht Lederhose für Mannschaften der Kriegsmarine und Panzertruppe). A well-preserved pair of Wehrmacht protective trousers, constructed of heavy blackened leather. Six loops are distributed around the waist and retain an original matching belt, similarly constructed of blackened leather, which is perforated with nine eyelets reinforced with magnetic metal grommets, in turn meeting a magnetic metal buckle. Two blackened leather suspender straps emanate from the back of the waistband and are secured in place with black bakelite buttons. A French fly closes the trousers, and features five black bakelite buttons meeting an equal number of hidden and reinforced buttonholes. Side pockets are set into the upper thighs and close with diagonal scalloped flaps perforated with reinforced buttonholes, in turn meeting black bakelite buttons. Each ankle has a short integral strap perforated with a reinforced buttonhole, in turn meeting two black bakelite buttons for flush closure. The seat is perforated with an array of ventilation eyelets, all reinforced with magnetic metal grommets. The interior features a partial white cotton twill liner, which also composes the interior of the pockets. Stamped onto the liner is a maker’s mark of “PROSSNITZER BEKLEIDUNGSWERK RUDOLF RINNE, PROSSNITZ”, topped by size dimensions. An additional paper tag is stitched onto the interior of the waistband. The trousers measure approximately 40 cm across the waistband, with an inseam of 36 cm, and an overall length of 110 cm. Moderate material fatigue consistent with age and field use is visible to the leather base, with some oxidation evident to the metal fixtures, and partial detachment of one fly button. A quintessential example of cross-branch Wehrmacht trousers initially issued to Kriegsmarine personnel, and later favoured by Panzer crews, these trousers remain in a very fine condition.