A remarkable example of postwar German craftsmanship — this rare late-1950s jacket captures the evolution of aviation-inspired design in a nation rebuilding its industries with precision and restraint. Produced in West Germany during a period when military patterns were refined for civilian use, it reflects the enduring influence of Luftwaffe flight wear, re-imagined for aviators, police units, and motoring professionals who valued durability and discipline in equal measure.
In the years following the Second World War, Germany’s leather industry adapted quickly to civilian demand. Many of the same workshops that had supplied wartime garments turned to producing jackets for police, pilots, and motorcycle patrols — garments that retained the functionality and structure of aircrew gear but were free from military insignia. By the late 1950s, these short, fitted blousons had become symbols of resilience and purpose: practical, warm, and built to last, yet expressive of a new postwar modernism. This example reflects that transition perfectly — utilitarian in spirit, yet refined in execution.
Constructed from buttery soft full-grain cowhide, the leather is unusually pliable for its age — dense yet supple, with a rich natural patina that reveals its decades of life and use. The hide’s surface carries tonal depth and quiet sheen, hallmarks of early vegetable-tanned German leathers. Inside, a leopard-print synthetic-pile lining adds warmth and character — a mid-century signature of postwar design — complemented by sateen-lined sleeves for comfort and freedom of movement. The heavy-gauge Opti metal zipper, produced in Germany during the 1950s, completes the front closure, functioning smoothly and confirming its period authenticity.
Every aspect of construction reflects quality and intention: clean panel lines, ribbed wool-knit collar, cuffs and waistband, and precise double-stitched seams throughout. Over the years, the jacket has had a small repair beneath the inner arm lining, as well as some discreet hand-stitched mends, each carried out with care and adding to its authenticity and narrative. It has been professionally cleaned and conditioned in-house, restoring suppleness while preserving the hide’s original finish. The leather remains strong, the knits resilient, and the hardware operates seamlessly. Surface variation and wear are consistent with honest use and add depth to its patina.
Key Features
- Vintage West German leather jacket – c. 1958–60
- Buttery soft full-grain cowhide with rich natural patina
- Original mid-century Opti metal zipper
- Ribbed wool-knit collar, cuffs, and waistband – aviation-inspired silhouette
- Leopard-print synthetic-pile lining with sateen-lined sleeves
- Two angled front hand-warmer pockets
- Precision-stitched panels and reinforced shoulders
- Professionally cleaned and conditioned in-house
- Condition: Very good vintage – supple, strong, and beautifully aged
Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)
- Chest (armpit to armpit): 22.5"
- Shoulders (seam to seam): 19
- Sleeve length (shoulder seam to cuff): 26"
- Sleeve length (underarm seam to cuff): 17.5"
- Back length (collar seam to hem): 24"
Best suited to fit a medium frame and 42" chest.
An exceptional postwar German jacket — refined, resilient, and quietly authoritative. A rare survivor from the late 1950s, built with the precision and purpose that defined an era of reconstruction and craftsmanship.
