Presstoff

DreysePrestoffHolster

Presstoff (from German: press + stoff meaning "pressed material") is a type of artificial leather that was developed in Germany in the early 20th century. It is made from pulverized wood pulp and other cellulose fibers, which are then pressed and treated to create a material that mimics the appearance and texture of leather.

History

Presstoff was first developed in the 19th century but gained prominence during World War II when Germany faced shortages of natural leather. The material was used extensively by the Wehrmacht for items such as belts, holsters, and straps for gas masks. Its use was driven by the need to conserve leather for more critical applications, such as footwear for soldiers.

Manufacturing Process

The production of Presstoff involves several steps:

1. **Pulping**: Wood pulp and other cellulose fibers are pulverized.
2. **Pressing**: The pulp is then pressed into sheets under high pressure.
3. **Treatment**: The pressed sheets are treated with various chemicals to enhance durability and water resistance.
4. **Finishing**: The material is finished to mimic the texture and appearance of natural leather.

Properties

Presstoff has several notable properties:

• **Durability**: While not as durable as natural leather, Presstoff is relatively strong and resistant to wear.
• **Water Resistance**: The material is treated to be water-resistant, although it can become brittle when exposed to moisture over long periods.
• **Appearance**: It closely resembles leather in appearance, making it a suitable substitute for many applications.

Uses

During its peak usage, Presstoff was employed in a variety of applications:

• **Military Equipment**: Belts, holsters, and straps.
• **Civilian Goods**: Bags, wallets, and bookbindings.
• **Automotive Industry**: Upholstery and interior trim.

Decline and Legacy

After World War II, the use of Presstoff declined as natural leather became more readily available and synthetic alternatives like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane (PU) were developed. However, Presstoff remains a subject of interest for historians and collectors of military memorabilia.

See Also

• Artificial leather
• Leather
• World War II
• Wehrmacht