Leif Holm

When I was a kid I never grew tired of listening to my grandfather's
stories from the second world war, or rummaging through his closets looking for forgotten artifacts that could help me understand why the stories were so fascinating. The one thing I could not get my head around was the relative lack of real action – Tigers, Spitfires, Commandos, flamespitting battle ships, all the expected elements that war is made of.

Still, the stories were about minute decisions, great courage and enormous risk. And about saving other peoples life. My grandfather was a student and a border guide, and smuggled 25 jewish refugees from nazi-controlled Norway to neutrality and safety in Sweden. His name was Hans Christen Mamen, but the name in his fake border passport read "Leif Holm".

One of the few artifacts that did survive is the old leather jacket that Hans Christen was given by the swedes. While my father is no longer here to tell his version, my guess is that he viewed his father as somewhat "larger-than-life" in his youth.

No wonder, Hans Christen was a imposing figure; tall, firm and not always willing to listen to anybody but Hans Christen. So when my fathers shoulders were broad enough, he started to wear the old leather jacket, and wore it ´till he himself became a father. Then the jacket was once again put in the closet, only to be rediscovered in the mid-eighties. By myself.

Of course I was not permitted to use the jacket. And of course I nicked it at every possible opportunity. Not only did the jacket have a very special presence – the scars and wrinkles all contained mysteries – but it was unlike anything else I had ever seen. It made me feel connected to my grandfather and with the choices he had made. It made me think of how we all are responsible for our actions, not only in our own time but for future generations. And it made me feel cool.

Last year I made the decision to retire the old jacket. The leather was way beyond repair, three generations of abuse had left its mark. So instead of putting it in the closet, we took it to Simmons Bilt in Selkirk, Scottland, possibly the best leather tailors in Europe. Their enthusiasm for the craftmanship and unique shape of the original combined with great skill have made it possible to duplicate the details and character that makes it so special.

The new jacket is baptized "Leif Holm" in honor of my grandfather and his work for equality and human rights, but the future is, as always, all up to you.

- Helge Mamen

Also in Stories

A Roadtrip: INEOS Grenadier

For every solution there is a problem. Dundas Footwear drives the Ineos Grenadier to Sweden to end a discussion.

Our Man in Namibia

Dundas Profile: Mathias Ekornås

Follow

Size chart

When purchasing boots, particularly online, it’s a good idea to have all your measurements squared away—the last thing you want are ill-fitting boots that make you miserable! While keeping in mind that the width of the boot last and the volume of the boot are important factors in correctly sizing your boots, figuring out your Mondopoint size is a good first step. It’s easy!

Mondopoint size

Stand on top of a piece paper with your heel against a wall and all of your weight pressed down upon the foot you are measuring.
Then, draw a line at your big toe.
Measure (in centimeters) the length of the paper to the line, and voilà!

That’s your Mondopoint size. You’ll need to measure both feet, as they are seldom the same.

Important

Our measurements are made from inside the boot. Important! For our mountain boots you have to add 10 - 20mm to your measurements to find the size.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!

SIZE CHART – DUNDAS FOOTWEAR

Choosing the right size for your long lasting friendship is essential to get the experience. Below presented the different sizes for the different product categories.

Type 01/GUNNERSIDE

	UK 4	UK 5	UK 6	UK 7	UK 8	UK 9	UK 10	UK 11	UK 12	UK 13
	EU 37	EU 38	EU 39	EU 40,5	EU 42	EU 43	EU 44,5	EU 45,5	EU 46,5	EU 47,5
In mm	227	242	249	255	267	272	282	297	300	312

Lille Bjørn Women

	UK 4	UK 4,5	UK 5	UK 5,5	UK 6	UK 6,5
	EU 36 2/3	EU 37 1/3	EU 38	EU 38 2/3	EU 39 1/3	EU 40
In mm	246	250	254	258	262	266

Store & Lille Bjørn - Mountaineering

	UK 7	UK 7,5	UK 8	UK 8,5	UK 9	UK 9,5	UK 10	UK 10,5	UK 11	UK 11,5
	EU 40 2/3	EU 41 1/3	EU 42	EU 42 2/3	EU 43 1/3	EU 44	EU 44 2/3	EU 45 1/3	EU 46	EU 46 2/3
In mm	270	274	277	280	286	289	293	297	300	303