This rare French motorcycle jacket from the late 1930s–1940s captures the rugged elegance of pre-war and wartime motorcycling culture. Built from mid-weight leather, it was designed to provide durability, protection, and authority for riders at a time when motorised transport was fast becoming central to both civilian life and military service.
The jacket is constructed in dense vegetable-tanned cowhide, originally stiff but now softened into a supple, pliable condition through decades of wear. Light abrasions, surface marking, and tonal variation have developed into a deep patina commensurate with age, giving the leather both texture and character without compromising its structural integrity.
Its design is unmistakably tied to motorcycle use: a double-breasted closure with leather-wrapped buttons for wind protection, wide lapels, a sharply angled breast pocket, and practical flapped hip pockets. Button-tab cuffs provide adjustability at the wrists, while reinforced seams emphasise the jacket’s resilience. Inside, a plaid wool lining with rayon sleeve lining reflects the French balance between warmth, comfort, and refinement—making it as functional on the road as it was durable.
This garment has been professionally cleaned and conditioned using specialist processes, ensuring the hide remains strong and flexible while preserving the authenticity of its aged surface. Structurally sound and fully wearable, it is also a rare survivor of an iconic style seldom encountered in this condition today.
Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)
Chest (pit to pit): 24 inch
Shoulders (seam to seam): 20 inch
Sleeve length (shoulder to cuff): 25 inch
Back length (collar seam to hem): 31.5 inch
More than just a coat, this is a garment of resilience—associated with French officers and Resistance fighters alike. A one-of-a-kind survivor, it embodies both the craftsmanship of its era and the enduring spirit of those who wore it.
