WWII Luftwaffe Fighter Pilot Leather Jacket - Hartmann Style 1930s

Hartmann-jacke, jagfleider, Eigentumsstück

This privately purchased Luftwaffe fighter pilot leather jacket represents the refined double breasted officer pattern worn during the late 1930s and early war period. Commonly referred to within collecting circles as the Hartmann style, this configuration became closely associated with Jagdflieger officers who commissioned their own garments rather than relying on standard issue supply.

As an Eigentumsstück piece, it reflects private purchase tailoring, material quality and finish beyond depot issued examples. The silhouette is compact and disciplined, cut high on the waist with a strong shoulder line and broad lapels. The double breasted front closes with leather football buttons, giving the jacket its unmistakable stance. Side waist adjustment straps with original metal buckles allow the body to be drawn in, reinforcing the sharp officer profile.

Constructed from high quality mid-weight German leather, most consistent with chrome tanned cowhide typical of private purchase Luftwaffe officer jackets of the period, the hide displays a natural drape rather than stiffness. The surface shows tight, even grain and a deep brown tone that has matured evenly over time. Wear is honest and consistent with age, with natural burnishing at high points but no dryness, brittleness or structural weakness. The leather remains supple and stable throughout.

Two horizontal waist pockets retain their original working zippers marked Rheinnadel and D.R.P., denoting Deutsches Reichspatent manufacture. DRP marked zippers indicate production under registered patent within the German Reich prior to or during the war and are widely encountered on authentic 1930s to 1940s German military and aviation equipment. These pocket zips operate smoothly and remain structurally sound.

Internally, the jacket is lined in brown moleskin in keeping with officer private purchase construction. Structure throughout remains firm and balanced.

The Luftwaffe breast eagle previously attached to the lapel has been removed historically. Stitch impressions remain visible, confirming former placement without later embellishment. No insignia are present.

A serious and increasingly scarce example of a Luftwaffe private purchase pilot jacket in the Hartmann style, preserved with material integrity and correct period hardware intact.

Condition and Preservation

The jacket presents in excellent overall condition for its age.

The leather remains supple, evenly toned and structurally strong. Surface wear is consistent with period use and long term preservation. There are no signs of cracking, panel weakness or instability. The majority of buttons are original, with a small number of period matched replacements added historically. Rheinnadel D.R.P. pocket zippers function correctly. Side buckles remain intact and operational. The moleskin lining is clean and well preserved.

The garment required only careful conditioning in our workshop to maintain suppleness and protect the surface. No structural restoration was necessary.

Key Identifying Features

• 1930s Luftwaffe private purchase Eigentumsstück
• Hartmann style double breasted officer configuration
• Button front closure
• Mid-weight German leather consistent with chrome tanned cowhide
• Majority original leather football buttons
• Historically matched replacement buttons
• Working Rheinnadel and D.R.P. marked waist pocket zippers
• Side waist adjustment straps with original metal buckles
• Brown molekskin interior lining
• Structurally strong and wearable condition

Garment Measurements Laid Flat

• Chest armpit to armpit: 21"
• Shoulders seam to seam: 17.5"
• Sleeve length shoulder seam to cuff: 25"
• Sleeve length underarm to cuff: 16.5"
• Back length collar seam to hem: 20"

Best suited to approximately a 36-38" chest. Please compare measurements with a similar garment to ensure correct fit.