This late 1940s German motorcycle jacket embodies the spirit of post-war riding culture, when the open road called and horsehide was the only leather tough enough to answer. Designed for the rider who demanded durability without sacrificing style, it features a belted waist, zipped chest and hip pockets, and adjustable cuff straps—hallmarks of the serious post-war motorcyclist’s kit. Crafted from mid-weight horsehide, this piece has developed a bold, rich patina that tells its own story. Through careful specialist cleaning and conditioning, decades of character remain preserved in its grain. Every feature serves a purpose, built for life on two wheels, where form always followed function.
Distinctive Craftsmanship & Design
Mid-Weight Horsehide: Tough enough to endure harsh riding conditions yet refined enough to age with grace, showing a bold patina earned over decades.
Authentic Post-War Heritage: Created in late 1940s Germany, it reflects a culture where practicality and resilience were paramount.
Original Ritsch Zippers: Prized German hardware from the era, still running smoothly on the chest, hip, and front closures.
Purpose-Built Features: Belted waist, adjustable cuff straps, and multiple zip pockets—each detail designed with the serious rider in mind.
Features & Details
Era: Late 1940s
Origin: Germany
Material: Heavyweight horsehide leather
Lining: Original with age-related repairs
Zippers: Original Ritsch zippers to chest, hip, and front
Pockets: Two chest zip pockets, two hip zip pockets
Belt: Original horsehide belt with buckle
Cuffs: Adjustable strap cuffs
Colour: Rich, warm brown with a deep patina
Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)
Across the Chest: 22"
Underarm to Cuff: 18"
Shoulder Seam to Cuff: 25"
Across the Shoulders: 18"
Back Length (bottom of collar to hem): 29"
Best suited for a Medium—42" chest or a snug 44". Please compare with a jacket you own for an accurate fit.
Condition & Restoration
This jacket has been specialist cleaned and preserved, removing decades of ingrained grime, bacteria, and soiling from deep within the leather. It was then carefully conditioned and dressed to enhance and protect its remarkable patina.
Honest Signs of Age: A well-executed machine-stitched repair at the back of the neck—likely where a hanging chain once pulled out—attests to its working life.
Original Lining: Intact with discreet stitched repairs at the bottom left and a patch repair on the left side, reflecting its storied past.
Ready for Occasional Wear: Structurally sound and ideal for collectors who appreciate authentic character. Light abrasions and natural creases only add to its undeniable appeal.
This jacket is a true survivor—an exceptional piece of history that still stands ready to accompany its wearer on new journeys.
