| Presstoff Holster | |
|---|---|
 Presstoff Dreyse m1907 Pistol Holster | |
| Type | Ersatz Leather |
| Place of origin |
 German Empire |
| Service history | |
| In service | Germany 1904–1945 |
| Used by |
 Germany,  Switzerland,  Norway, ,  Finland,  USSR |
| 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 replacement leather used during the first half of the 20th century. Made of specially layered and treated paper pulp, Presstoff was durable and easily adapted to be used in place of leather, which under wartime conditions was rationed. First invented in the 19th century, it gained its widest use in Germany during the Second World War.
Military uses during WWII[]
Presstoff use included but was not limited to binoculars cases and straps, horse tack, bayonet frogs, equipment belts, cap visors etc. In short, Presstoff could be used in almost every application normally filled by leather, excepting items like footwear that were repeatedly subjected to flex wear and/or moisture. Under these conditions Presstoff tended to delaminate and lose cohesion.
References[]
- Private collection article - Presstoff Belt
- John Casino (1928-09-24). "Hitler Youth Belt". Legion Supply House. http://www.johncasino.com/item%208574.htm.
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 44" with mixed material leather & Presstoff holster made by Lederwarenfabrik Moll, coded cxb 4 (for 1944)
The original article can be found at Presstoff and the edit history here.