Vintage 1940s Swedish Trachten Goatskin Leather Hunting Jacket

Built in Sweden in the late 1940s, this Trachten hunting jacket belongs to the continuation of traditional regional outdoor clothing into the post war period, where garments were still shaped by necessity rather than fashion. While influenced by Trachten styling, this is not ceremonial dress but a functional hunting and utility jacket, made for sustained outdoor use in cold and demanding environments. Its form reflects Scandinavian rural life of the time, where durability, warmth, and practicality remained essential long after the war years.

The jacket is cut from heavy vegetable tanned goatskin, a material favoured for its balance of strength, flexibility, and resistance to hard wear. The leather remains structurally sound throughout, with no areas of weakness or collapse. Across the body and sleeves, the hide shows deep natural creasing and settled surface wear that has developed gradually through use. The patina is even and honest, with tonal variation that reflects long term outdoor wear rather than neglect. The goatskin retains its density and resilience, remaining fully functional and wearable.

The cut is longline and belted, allowing the jacket to be worn close to the body for warmth or looser when layered. A reinforced rear shoulder yoke runs cleanly across the back, adding structure and strength while helping distribute strain through the upper body, a practical feature commonly found on working hunting and utility jackets of the period. The silhouette remains balanced and purposeful, shaped by function rather than excess detailing.

Inside, the jacket retains its original checked wool lining, providing insulation while remaining breathable and durable. The lining shows light, even wear consistent with age and use and remains fully serviceable. The pocket layout is practical and restrained, with buttoned chest and hip pockets designed for secure storage during field use. Original epaulettes remain in place, reflecting period construction rather than decorative intent.

In terms of condition, the jacket shows age related wear consistent with long term outdoor use. The leather exhibits surface wear, creasing, and minor marks acquired through wear in the field, all of which sit naturally within the grain. The structure remains strong at stress points including the shoulders, yoke, belt area, and cuffs. The lining is intact and clean, with no areas of failure. All buttons, fastenings, and components are present and functional. Any signs of wear are cosmetic rather than structural and reflect practical upkeep rather than deterioration.

The jacket has been professionally cleaned and conditioned in house using specialist workshop processes appropriate for heritage leather. The collar, which had absorbed heavy use over time, was carefully degreased and re toned to restore balance without erasing character. The original belt buckle, previously corroded, was stripped back and preserved. The aim throughout was conservation and continued wearability rather than cosmetic restoration.

Key Identifying Features

• Heavy vegetable tanned goatskin with matured patina
• 1940s Swedish Malungs
• Trachten influenced hunting and utility jacket
• Reinforced rear shoulder yoke
• Longline belted cut
• Original checked wool lining
• Buttoned chest and hip pockets
• Original epaulettes
• Original belt with restored buckle

Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)

• Chest armpit to armpit: 23 inches
• Shoulders seam to seam: 20 inches
• Sleeve length underarm seam to cuff: 19 inches
• Sleeve length shoulder seam to cuff: 27 inches
• Back length collar seam to hem: 30.5 inches

Best suited for approximately a 42 inch chest. Please compare with a similar jacket for accuracy.