Presstoff Holster | |
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Presstoff Dreyse m1907 Pistol Holster | |
Type | Artificial leather |
Place of origin | ![]() |
Service history | |
In service | Germany 1904–1945 |
Used by | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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 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]
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]
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]