1940s German Horsehide Leather Motorcycle Jacket- XL (44-46)

A survivor of the open road. In 1940s Germany, motorcycles weren’t a luxury—they were a lifeline. With fuel rationed and infrastructure scarred by war, two wheels became essential for movement through cities and countryside alike. Riders needed outerwear that could endure it all—weather, road, time—and this full-grain horsehide jacket was built exactly for that.

Cut from dense, road-ready horsehide, the leather remains thick and structured, now softened by decades of use. A straight front zip keeps the design clean and functional, while side waist buckles and zipped cuffs offer adjustability without compromising the jacket’s stripped-down utility. Inside, a moleskin lining provides quiet warmth—practical, breathable, and still intact. The original Opti zipper, a hallmark of mid-century German engineering, runs smoothly, matched by functioning hardware throughout.

Professionally cleaned and conditioned using heritage restoration methods, the leather retains its strength and rich patina. The moleskin lining shows only light wear, and the seams, hardware, and leather remain structurally sound. Every crease, mark, and subtle abrasion reflects a jacket that’s lived through transition—wartime necessity to post-war independence.

Measurements (Laid Flat)

• Chest (pit to pit): 25"
• Shoulders (seam to seam): 20"
• Sleeve length (shoulder to cuff): 27.5"
• Sleeve length (underarm to cuff): 18"
• Back length (collar seam to hem): 27"

Best suited for an XL fit. For the best result, compare with a jacket you already own.

A true product of its era—purpose-built, timeworn, and still standing. This is motorcycle history in wearable form.