Presstoff Holster
Presstoff Dreyse m1907 Pistol Holster
TypeArtificial leather
Place of origin Germany
Service history
In serviceGermany 1904–1945
Used by Germany,   Switzerland,  Norway, ,  Finland,  Soviet Union
WarsWorld War I, World War II
Production history
Produced1900–1945

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 was one of the oldest artificial leather.[1]

It was made from specially layered and treated paper pulp. It was treated with a special type of resin that would bind it together in layers.[2][3]

History

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. German consumers started favouring various leather replacements with more attractive features as it break down quickly when it became wet.[4][5]

During the war in Poland, Presstoff was commonly known as 'preszpan'.[6]

Presstoff is produced till today.[7]

Military uses during WWII

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

References

  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ "Greener Alternatives to Dimethylformamide Use in Polyurethane Synthetic Leather" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  3. ^ "What is Faux Leather Fabric: Properties, How its Made and Where". Sewport. Archived from the original on 19 December 2023. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  4. ^ "Faux leather: Man-made method of harmless fashion".
  5. ^ "What Is Artificial Leather, How's It Made, & Best Alternatives". Von Baer. Archived from the original on 21 January 2024. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  6. ^ 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.
  7. ^ "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.
  8. ^ 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.
  9. ^ 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.
  10. ^ "Petroleum Product of the Week: Artificial Leather". Petroleum Service Company. Archived from the original on 3 June 2023. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  11. ^ "Presstoff". Leather Repair Company - Leather Encyclopaedia. 29 October 2020. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
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