1940s German Horsehide Leather Motorcycle Jacket Ries Zips

Built for motorcycle use during the Second World War, this German dispatch rider jacket dates to the 1940s and reflects the practical realities of wartime riding. The cut is functional and close to the body, designed to offer protection and control when worn for long periods in exposed conditions. Every detail is purposeful, shaped by use rather than appearance.

The jacket is cut from heavy-weight vegetable-tanned horsehide. The leather shows natural wear across the surface, with abrasion and settled creasing concentrated in areas of movement and contact. The colour has deepened unevenly over time as a result of age and use, not later treatment. Despite this, the hide remains supple and structurally sound, retaining good strength throughout.

Construction is typical of German utility motorcycle clothing of the period. A shallow shoulder yoke runs across the back, feeding into a shaped body with a half-belt that allows the waist to be drawn in. This helps the jacket sit close while riding and reduces wind ingress. The longer length provides coverage when seated on a motorcycle.

All pockets and the main front closure are fitted with original Ries zippers. These have been professionally serviced and now operate smoothly while retaining their original components and finish. The waist belt is secured with an original Gutos buckle, still solid and fully functional. Stitching throughout is robust and consistent, with no evidence of later reconstruction or replacement.

Inside, the jacket retains its original moleskin lining. Condition here is strong. The lining is intact with no holes or tears. There is some dye bleed visible to the lining sleeves, consistent with age and use, but this remains a minor cosmetic detail and does not affect wearability or structure.

The jacket has been professionally cleaned and lightly conditioned to ensure stability and continued wear, without altering the surface or character of the leather. Wear has been left as found and reflects the jacket’s working life.

Overall, the jacket remains structurally sound, with solid seams and no areas of weakness. It is a strong, wearable example of a WWII motorcycle jacket and should be treated with appropriate care given its age. Pieces retaining original hardware, correct materials, and unaltered construction are now increasingly difficult to find.

Key Details

• German WWII dispatch rider motorcycle jacket
• 1940s production
• Heavy-weight vegetable-tanned horsehide
• Original Ries zippers throughout
• Original Gutos waist belt buckle
• Rear shoulder yoke with half-belt construction
• Multiple zippered front pockets
• Original moleskin lining

Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)

• Chest (armpit to armpit): 23"
• Shoulders (seam to seam): 20.5"
• Sleeve length (shoulder to cuff): 24"
• Sleeve length (underarm to cuff): 15.5"
• Back length (collar seam to hem): 28.5"

Best suited to a 42 Short. Please compare these measurements with a similar jacket for accuracy.