German Trench in B'klyn

[MrBern]

Mr B- show off that leather trench you picked up this weekend.

Baron Kurtz was visiting NYC.
Senator Jack wanted to show him the scenic FleaMarket under the bridges in Brooklyn.

And the rain FELL.

We found this old brown leather European trenchcoat size 48 (American 38)
The dealer knew nothing about it, except that it was procured in New Hampshire.
I believe it is German, early `50s, not wartime.
Im not sure if I will keep it.

Im told by a European friend that this sort of coat is easily modified by reenactors & costumers for a wartime military coat in movies like Inglorious Basterds. He also warned that a coating of Pecard is not advised.

It has internal & external straps that hook thru loops at the front of the jkt.

 

[tbrunke]

Baron Kurtz was visiting NYC.
Senator Jack wanted to show him the scenic FleaMarket under the bridges in Brooklyn.

And the rain FELL.

We found this old brown leather European trenchcoat size 48 (American 38)
The dealer knew nothing about it, except that it was procured in New Hampshire.
I believe it is German, early `50s, not wartime.
Im not sure if I will keep it.

Im told by a European friend that this sort of coat is easily modified by reenactors & costumers for a wartime military coat in movies like Inglorious Basterds. He also warned that a coating of Pecard is not advised.

It has internal & external straps that hook thru loops at the front of the jkt.

Great jacket, and it looks good on you, I personally would not get rid of it.

 

[Opas Coat]

You need a white shirt and black tie to go with it.

 

[dhermann1]

And that cool pork pie with the low crown and the wide brim. And a silk scarf. You'd take on a sort of Shadowesque aura.
Edit: When I first saw this thread, I thought to myself, "Hmmm, I don't recall there being any Hessians at the Battle of Long Island." lol

 

[feltfan]

What's that on the Baron's head???

 

[BellyTank]

I believe it's a piece of typical American head wear.

Hi, BK.


B
T

 

[Feraud]

I believe it's a piece of typical American head wear.

Hi, BK.


B
T

When in Rome...

I think the trench looks good and would hold on to it. Wear it with a menacing black fedora and you are good to go.

 

[BellyTank]

Exactly.

Bern, you'll probably be a lot happier with it in January.
Maybe not an August coat.
But maybe an august one.


B
T

 

[Kitty_Sheridan]

This is the same pattern coat as was purchased by Polish Army and Air Force officers, I have one for Motorbiking!
I paid £40 for mine about ten years ago.

 

[Tomasso]

He also warned that a coating of Pecard is not advised.

No treatment at all? That leather looks to be in need of some conditioning.

 

[Feraud]

I was thinking the same thing.

Did the seller recommend doing anything to it?

 

[MrBern]

When in Rome...

I think the trench looks good and would hold on to it. Wear it with a menacing black fedora and you are good to go.

A black hat with a brown coat!?!

 

[MrBern]

No treatment at all? That leather looks to be in need of some conditioning.

No, it could use some treatment. But a Bohemian collector friend who has been wearing this sort of coat for years has advised me that Pecard does not mix well with this sort of vintage, thick, European leather. I have been advised to stick to saddle soap & mink oil.

The coat is very long & heavy, I really dont see climbing into the back of a cab with it on. A carcoat length would be far more useful.

 

[MrBern]

I was thinking the same thing.

Did the seller recommend doing anything to it?

The seller knew nothing about the coat. Typical flea market vendor. Otherwise he mightve known to sell it at a higher price.

 

[MrBern]

This is the same pattern coat as was purchased by Polish Army and Air Force officers, I have one for Motorbiking!
I paid £40 for mine about ten years ago.

Does your coat have one quick release strap or two?
I believe I paid jsut a bit less than that. But thats what happens when you buy a winter item in the summer, on a rainy day...when everyone else is too sensible to stand around in a rainstorm.

 

[Erik]

I like the look of it, and agree that it appears in need of conditioning of some sort. Nice find.

 

[Feraud]

A black hat with a brown coat!?!

Apparently I am color blind and lack reading skillz!lol

Eh, why not. Wear a black hat with it. Who is going to correct you around here? Guys in droopy khaki shorts and sandals?

 

[Edward]

Good looking coat, at a great price. I'm always on the lookout for oned of those. There was a nice looking oned in my size (alas somewhat larger and more popular, hence always more expensive!) on eBay recently, but the seller wanted GBP150 for it, which seemed a bit much?

In terms of treatment, I'd try looking into the vintage car supplies market. Years ago, my dad used some stuff he had for the restoration of vintage leather seats (brought some dried out old seats in a 1938 Austin 10 up like new) on a used and abused old biker jacket an ex-girlfriend had picked up for herself. Stunning results.