Presstoff facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Presstoff Holster |
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Presstoff Dreyse m1907 Pistol Holster
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| Type | Artificial leather |
| Place of origin |  Germany |
| 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 (say "PRESS-stoff") is a German word for a special type of ersatz (which means "substitute") or artificial leather. It was used a lot in the first half of the 1900s. This material was made from layers of treated paper pulp.
Presstoff was strong and could easily replace real leather. During wartime, leather was hard to get because it was needed for many things. So, Presstoff became a very important substitute. It was first invented in the 1800s, but it was used most widely in Germany during World War II.
Contents
What Was Presstoff Used For?
During World War II, Presstoff was used for many military items. It helped save real leather, which was in short supply.
Everyday Military Gear
Presstoff was used for lots of different things soldiers needed. This included cases and straps for binoculars. It was also used for parts of horse tack, which are the items used to control horses.
Weapon Accessories
Soldiers also found Presstoff useful for parts of their weapons. It was made into "bayonet frogs," which are loops that hold a bayonet (a knife attached to a rifle) to a belt. Equipment belts themselves were often made from Presstoff. Even the visors on some military caps used this material.
When Presstoff Didn't Work Well
Presstoff could replace leather in almost any situation. However, it wasn't good for everything. Items that bent a lot or got wet often, like footwear, didn't work well with Presstoff. When it was bent repeatedly or got wet, Presstoff could start to come apart. It would lose its strength and layers.
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