"This is a used vintage garment and may show signs of wear. Please refer to the individual item description and review the photos carefully."
Offered here is an original late-WW2 period leather trenchcoat of Czechoslovakian origin. This specific silhouette is colloquially known among collectors as the "Czech Sniper" cut. While this is a civilian garment rather than a military-issue piece, the nickname likely stems from its frequent appearance in historical photographs of partisan units and resistance fighters who utilized high-quality civilian outerwear for field operations. During the occupation of Czechoslovakia (the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia), the Czech resistance was incredibly active. Small, independent leather workshops often continued to produce these rugged garments; they sometimes secretly supplied resistance members who required durable, weather-resistant "armor" that didn't immediately identify them as soldiers. For the original buyer, a jacket of this caliber was a massive investment during wartime scarcity, as it signaled both high social standing and a practical need for a garment that could survive the rigors of a collapsing infrastructure.
The jacket is constructed from a premium semi-aniline deep chocolate brown cowhide. Semi-aniline leather was highly prized because it used a thin layer of pigment to even out the color while still allowing the natural grain and character of the hide to show through. This deep chocolate brown was the standard for high-end European leatherwear in the 1940s, and it was favored because it aged more gracefully than black and was easier to maintain in muddy, winter conditions. The leather is remarkably thick and dense, which reflects the industrial strength of the Czech tanning industry in regions like Zlín (a region that remained a powerhouse of leather production throughout the war). I have found that Czech cowhides from this era have a particularly "grippy" and substantial feel, often outlasting the stitching itself.
The coat is fitted with a removable black fur collar, which appears to be Raccoon Dog (often referred to as Finnraccoon or Seefuchs). This fur was immensely popular in Central Europe during the 1940s because it was extremely dense and weather-resistant, providing a natural heat trap for the neck and face. The underside of the collar features structural zigzag stitching, which allows it to stand rigid when the fur is removed. The front of the jacket utilizes large, clean leather panels; this is a clear signal of high-tier production that avoided the use of smaller, cheaper scraps.
The hardware is particularly unique, as it features D-Rings at the waist belt and the cuffs. It is rare to see the original cuff straps intact since they were easily lost over the decades. D-Rings were used instead of traditional pronged buckles because they allowed for a "friction fit" that could be adjusted perfectly to the wearer's wrist or waist (even when wearing thick gloves). This prevented wind from entering the sleeves, which was a critical feature for anyone spending long hours outdoors. The waist is secured by two flapped horizontal cargo pockets for the storage of essential tools or rations.
The interior is lined with a soft, thermal brown cotton moleskin, with the arms finished in a smooth cotton sateen for ease of movement. For storage, it features two vertical internal pockets. At the internal waist is a small poppered belt, or "stay," designed to keep the heavy front panels of the trenchcoat from shifting and to distribute the weight of the leather evenly across the hips. The internal label reads "DH." While specific historical records for this brand are scarce, it is highly probable that this was a state-owned label applied to the coat after the war. I typically point this out as a fascinating chronological quirk, because during the post-war reorganization of the Czech economy, many high-quality wartime garments were rebranded and repurposed for official state use to combat extreme material shortages.
Condition
The leather is in fantastic condition, showing only minor scuffs, light edgewear, and some fading. None of this is particularly noticeable and does not affect the integrity of the jacket.
All hardware functions properly, though there is a missing snap on the small internal belt. The belt still works as intended, but this is worth noting.
The interior liner remains in great shape, with only minor repairs and some light fading.
Restoration
The exterior leather has been cleaned and conditioned using our tailored leather care process. The inner liner has been carefully hand cleaned and steamed, along with all internal and external pockets. The metal hardware, including snaps, zippers and buttons, has been cleaned and polished to a shine. This piece is fully wearable and requires no further maintenance.
Measurements / Sizing
Recommended Size: L
Tagged Size: N/A
- Chest (Pit to Pit): 25” / 63.5cm
- Shoulder (Seam to Seam): 21” / 53.5cm
- Arm Length (Shoulder to Cuff): 26” / 66cm
- Arm Length (Pit to Cuff): 17.5” / 44.5cm
- Length (Nape to Hem): 42.5” / 108cm
All measurements taken in Inches and Centimetres.
Notes:
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