Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

Stohwasser Leather Leggings

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Overview

Stohwasser style leather leggings or gaiters were used by all Australian mounted troops during World War 1. They were made from high quality, drum-dyed, full grain leather with tinned copper rivets, and brass buckles. The gaiter a is made so that in wear one edge overlaps the other and narrows from the calf to the ankle. A strap it is wound helically around the leg. Buckles secure the legging to enable the gaiter to be tightened both at the top and bottom. The leggings are dark tan in colour with stitching to attach buckles and fastener straps. Sizes were variable with a medium example being 115 cm tall and 50mm wide.

Historical information

This style of leather legging was patented by Francis Joseph Stohwasser and George Birtchnell Winter in May 1896. In Australian use they were an item of issue to mounted troops and transport drivers. They were also much favoured by stretcher bearers for their enhanced leg protection and ease of donning when compared to puttees.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-99-715

Contextual Information

Examples of Stohwasser leggings are found at the Australian Army Museum of WA on the Light Horse and Stretcher Bearer dioramas and as individual items in equipment displays.

Links to additional resources

Stohwasser Leggings Patent

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

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