Item Description
Original Item: Only One Pair Available. This is a great pair of medium large (43cm approx size 10 US) German Officer's Jackboot Riding Boots in black leather. They are offered in very good condition, and certainly solid enough to wear for historical impressions or to correctly complete a display. In fact, it looks like they were definitely worn post war, as the front hobnail sole bottoms were replaced at some point with modern rubber soles made in Canada. The heels have not been modified at all.
These are exceptional in the sense that they are GERMAN made and issued aside from the rubber soles, not the Eastern European post war versions that currently flood the market. They show real wear and age from being almost 80 years old. Both are marked faintly with size 43 on the inside of the uppers by the fitting loops, and also both are marked 43 446 on the bottom of the soles next to the heels. This possibly could be the maker designation, which we have not been able to locate.
Also included are a great pair of boot pull hooks, used to help fit the boots onto the wearer, which could be a difficult endeavor without the hooks. These are fitted boots, and without any type of closure on the side, they need to almost be stretched over the ankles.
These boots helped the German's complete an iconic silhouette to their officer's uniforms. Hard to find in such good condition today, these will be hard to find again.
The term Jackboot originally denoted tall winged leather cavalry boots, which had been "jacked", or reinforced against sword blows by use of mail (armor) sewn into the lining of the leather. The wings on these high boots particularly protected a rider's knee-joint from a sword blow. These boots are still worn and still so termed by the Household Cavalry Regiment of the British Army, founded in the 17th century. The term originates from the French word Jaque (m) meaning mail. The term is of Catalan origin, descended from the Arabic schakk. These boots were made very heavy by the mail reinforcement, and are slightly less so today from the use of modern materials as stiffeners. There are few manufacturers of Cavalry Jackboots extant in the 21st century, the most famous being Schnieder Boots (pronounced Schneeder) of Mayfair, London, the official supplier to Her Majesty the Queen's Household Cavalry.
The second meaning of the term is derived from the first, with reference to their toughness, but is unrelated in design and function, being a combat boot designed for marching, rising to at least mid-calf, with no laces, typically a leather sole with hobnails, and heel irons. The Germans call this boot "Marschstiefel", meaning "marching boot". This is the classic boot used by the German Infantry in World War I, though the Stormtroopers dispensed with them in favor of laced boots then used by Austro-Hungarian mountain troops. An etymological source not derived from the Cavalry Jackboot has been suggested as from the word jack, jacket or jerkin, as a common garment worn by the peasantry
Although hobnailed short jackboots date from before the Napoleonic era, they became popular with the Germanic armies in the mid to late 19th century because of their perceived durability over "lesser" boots. Worn out boots were considered a major problem for armies on the march and the high quality leather "jackboot" with its hobnails was deemed to be more durable than the alternatives available. As Prussia and the associated German minor powers relied on quickly defeating its opponents before they could fully mobilize and coordinate, their infantry's ability to march long distances was a major issue. The jackboot was replaced by lesser quality ankle boots in the German army when leather became scarce in World War II.
- This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or Germany
- Due to legal restrictions this item cannot be shipped to Australia, France or Germany. This is not a comprehensive list and other countries may be added in the future.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon