Presstoff
| Presstoff Holster | |
|---|---|
 Presstoff Dreyse m1907 Pistol Holster | |
| Type | Artificial leather |
| Place of origin | German Empire |
| Service history | |
| In service | Germany 1904–1945 |
| Used by | Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Finland, Soviet Union |
| Wars | World War I, World War II |
| Production history | |
| Produced | 1900–1945 |
Presstoff (also Preßstoff or Pressstoff) is the German-language term for a type of ersatz or artificial leather used during the first half of the 20th century. It is one of the oldest artificial leather.[1]
It was made from specially layered paper pulp, which was then treated with a specific resin that would bind it together in layers.[2][3]
History
[edit]It was invented in the 19th-century Germany. It was widely used during the World War II because natural leather had to be strictly rationed.
In recent times, German consumers began favouring various leather replacements such as Presstoff that are more eco-friendly, as it breaks down easily when it becomes wet.[4][5]
During the war in Poland, Presstoff was commonly known as 'preszpan'.[6]
Presstoff is still produced today.[7]
Military uses during WWII
[edit]Presstoff was used in binoculars cases and straps, horse tack, bayonet frogs, equipment belts, cap visors etc. Presstoff was used in almost every application normally filled by leather, except items like footwear where repeated flex wear and moisture cause Presstoff to delaminate.[8][9][10] The task of cleaning Presstoff was almost impossible as once it gets wet, it breaks down.[11]
Gallery
[edit]-
Presstoff late-war holster issued to Volksgrenadier, delaminating from flex wear -
Presstoff MG42 Gunner's Kit with asbestos barrel mitt, and leather strapping -
Mauser-made Walther P38 coded "byf 43" with mixed material leather and Presstoff holster made by Lederwarenfabrik Moll, coded cxb 4 (for 1944)
References
[edit]- ^ Concord, Dan (27 October 2019). "Faux Leather – Artificial Leather That's Wildly Popular". Liberty Leather Goods. Archived from the original on 21 April 2023. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
- ^ "Greener Alternatives to Dimethylformamide Use in Polyurethane Synthetic Leather" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
- ^ "What is Faux Leather Fabric: Properties, How its Made and Where". Sewport. Archived from the original on 19 December 2023. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
- ^ "Faux leather: Man-made method of harmless fashion".
- ^ "What Is Artificial Leather, How's It Made, & Best Alternatives". Von Baer. Archived from the original on 21 January 2024. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
- ^ Borowski, Tomasz (11 April 2016). Last Blood on Pomerania: Leon Degrelle and the Walloon Waffen SS Volunteers, February–May 1945. Helion. ISBN 978-1-912174-48-5.
- ^ "Fake Leather - How to spot it and why you should avoid it". STEEL HORSE LEATHER. 27 July 2021. Archived from the original on 26 September 2023. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
- ^ Ziarsolo, Alazne Porcel (8 July 2023). "Plastics in fashion: a review of plastic materials in modern and contemporary costume collections and their conservation". Conservar Património. 43: 113–143. doi:10.14568/cp27897. ISSN 2182-9942. Archived from the original on 30 November 2023. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
- ^ Defonseka, Chris (19 January 2022). Polymeric Coating Systems for Artificial Leather: Standard and Latest Technologies. Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG. ISBN 978-3-11-071654-2.
- ^ "Petroleum Product of the Week: Artificial Leather". Petroleum Service Company. Archived from the original on 3 June 2023. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
- ^ "Presstoff". Leather Repair Company – Leather Encyclopaedia. 29 October 2020. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
- John Casino (24 September 1928). "Hitler Youth Belt". Legion Supply House. Archived from the original on 1 December 2008. Retrieved 12 April 2009.