Three-quarter length, multi-panel, blackened leather construction jacket features a vertical, five button, front closure with a single metal hook and eye positioned at the forward neckline and a small, stand-up, collar. The left breast of the jacket has a horizontal slash, pocket with a straight edged, overlapping flap. The jacket also has two, horizontal slash, forward hip pockets also with straight edged, overlapping flaps. The reverse of the jacket has a central, vertical, seam with no tail skirt vent. The interior of the jacket is fully lined in heavy, charcoal gray, wool with a black rayon lining to the sleeves. The interior right breast has a leather reinforced, horizontal slash, pocket. The sleeve lining has the addition of charcoal gray wool "storm cuffs". Roughly a size 40" chest. Excellent. 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 leather garments came in a variety of styles and colors for specific personnel. This particular style of protective leather jacket was 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. Generally junior NCO’s and EM’s ranks didn’t wear any rank insignia on their leather jackets although senior NCO’s and Officers ranks usually wore removable shoulder straps/ boards.