This isn’t just a vintage jacket—it’s a symbol of survival and self-expression, cut from the chaos of late 1940s Germany, when the war was over but the fight for identity was just beginning. For post-war bikers, the motorcycle jacket wasn’t about fashion—it was armour for life on the edge, built to handle backroads and bar fights alike while looking just as sharp off the bike as on it. Longer than typical riders’ jackets, this piece boasts a rakish, almost coat-like silhouette while retaining all the rebellious swagger that made these garments true icons.
Distinctive Craftsmanship & Design
Chrome-Tanned Cowhide: Strikes the sweet spot between rugged and refined—softer than war-era horsehide yet tough enough to wear hard without worry. Over the decades, it’s developed a natural patina of creases and scuffs that no modern jacket can replicate.
Rakish, Extended Silhouette: Cut beyond the standard biker length, it offers a distinctive coat-like profile, adding elegance without losing its edgy appeal.
Original Wool Lining: Post-war practicality at its finest—warm enough for winter rides yet breathable for nights out, free from unnecessary frills.
Understated Confidence: Angled chest zips flash purposeful design, while minimal detailing sets this jacket apart from more common, cropped biker styles.
Features & Details
Era: Late 1940s post-war Germany
Leather: Chrome-tanned cowhide — soft yet substantial, with a bold, natural patina
Lining: Original wool lining — warm, practical, and built to last
Pockets: Two angled zip chest pockets + two deep hip pockets for essentials
Zipper: Original Vitex brass zip — smooth-running and solid
Fit: Longer profile, built to wear over layers yet still sharp and tailored
Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)
Across the Chest: 25"
Underarm to Cuff: 17.5"
Shoulder Seam to Cuff: 26.5"
Across the Shoulders: 21.5"
Back Length (bottom of collar to hem): 30"
Best suited to fit a 44-46 chest. For the perfect fit, please compare these measurements to a jacket you already own.
Condition & Restoration
This jacket has been professionally cleaned using specialist leather techniques to remove decades of deep-set dirt, sweat, and surface grime. It was then conditioned with our bespoke formula to preserve flexibility and enhance its rich, authentic patina.
Original Wool Lining: In excellent condition, with no major repairs to the body lining. One inner sleeve lining has been sympathetically replaced to maintain strength and wearability.
Leather Character: Light abrasions, subtle creasing, and gentle chapping at the neck edge tell the story of countless miles traveled. The cuff hems have been professionally reinforced to strengthen these high-stress points.
Fully wearable today, this jacket deserves respectful treatment—worn occasionally and conditioned twice a year (carefully avoiding the seams) to ensure it endures for many more years to come.
