Vintage 1930s German Horsehide Leather Motorcycle Jacket

An exceptional German horsehide sports jacket dating from the 1930s, combining elements of early motorcycle clothing, the period car coat and the practical leather jackets worn for motoring and outdoor pursuits across the Alpine regions during the interwar years.

The horsehide is immediately striking. Dense, firm and beautifully broken in, it has evolved from a deep chocolate brown into a complex range of warmer tones wherever the surface has experienced the greatest use. The shoulders, collar, sleeves, cuffs and raised seams have worn progressively lighter, while protected areas retain considerably more of the original dark finish. After close to ninety years, the leather possesses a depth and variation that could only have developed naturally through time and wear.

Its balanced mid-length cut provides useful protection from wind and changing weather without the weight or restriction of a full-length motoring coat. The body remains relatively close and controlled, while a broad elasticated section across the rear waist draws the leather inward and prevents it from hanging loose when the wearer is moving, riding or seated.

This combination of coverage, shaping and freedom of movement reflects the crossover between motorcycle clothing, car coats and leather sports jackets during the period. These were versatile garments rather than narrowly specialised pieces: suitable for travelling by motorcycle or motorcar, walking between mountain towns and general outdoor wear in cooler Alpine conditions.

The pocket arrangement is equally purposeful. An angled zipped pocket sits high on the chest, accompanied by two lower zipped pockets positioned for easy access. Original leather pull tabs survive on the principal fastenings, allowing the zippers to be operated more readily with cold or gloved hands.

The hardware provides some of the clearest evidence of the jacket’s German origin and period. The main fastening is fitted with a Zipp-marked slider, while the angled chest pocket carries Ries hardware. Both names are encountered on German clothing of the era, and their presence is entirely consistent with the jacket’s construction, materials and apparent date.

There is little extraneous decoration. A flat point collar sits neatly against the neck, the shoulders remain clean and structured, and the sleeves taper into simple leather cuffs. Its character comes instead from the quality of the horsehide, its disciplined proportions and the survival of its early hardware.

The lining was professionally replaced during the jacket’s working life and remains in very good order. The work was carried out sympathetically, allowing the garment to remain wearable without attempting to disguise its age. A leather-bound internal chest pocket completes the interior.

Early European leather jackets of this quality are increasingly difficult to find. Its distinctive combination of motorcycle practicality, car-coat coverage and sports-jacket proportions—together with the substantial horsehide, period German hardware and extraordinarily well-developed surface—gives this example the unmistakable presence of a genuine interwar garment.

Condition & Preservation

Very good condition for a leather jacket approaching ninety years old.

The horsehide remains dense, strong and structurally sound, displaying extensive age-developed wear across the collar, shoulders, sleeves, cuffs, seams and other exposed areas. Tonal variation, surface rubbing, scratches, creasing and softened edges are present throughout and form an integral part of the jacket’s character. All significant wear is represented clearly in the photographs.

As part of our workshop preparation, the horsehide has been carefully cleaned and lightly conditioned to support its continued preservation without flattening the grain or diminishing the established surface. All zippers have been professionally refurbished, cleaned and lubricated and are now operating correctly. The surviving original leather zipper pulls have been retained.

The professionally replaced lining remains intact and presents very well. The elasticated rear waist, pockets, leather-bound internal pocket and principal seams have also been inspected and remain functional.

Ready to wear.

Key Identifying Features

• Original 1930s German leather jacket
• Interwar motorcycle, car-coat and sports-jacket design
• Associated with motoring and Alpine outdoor wear
• Balanced mid-length cut
• Dense horsehide construction
• Deep chocolate-brown original finish
• Extensive naturally developed patina
• Close, functional silhouette
• Single-breasted straight-zip front
• Period Zipp main zipper
• Period Ries chest-pocket zipper
• Original leather zipper pulls
• Angled zipped chest pocket
• Two lower zipped front pockets
• Flat point collar
• Clean, structured shoulders
• Plain leather cuffs
• Elasticated rear waist section
• Leather-bound internal chest pocket
• Sympathetically replaced lining
• Specialist cleaned and lightly conditioned
• Zippers professionally refurbished and lubricated

Garment Measurements, Laid Flat

• Chest, armpit to armpit: 21.5"
• Shoulders, seam to seam: 19.25"
• Sleeve, shoulder seam to cuff: 25.5"
• Sleeve, underarm seam to cuff: 17.5"
• Back length, collar seam to hem: 29"

Recommended for approximately a 39-inch chest, depending on the preferred fit and intended layering. Please compare these measurements with a similar jacket that fits you well before purchasing.

An evocative example of interwar German leather sportswear, combining motorcycle practicality, car-coat protection and the controlled proportions associated with outdoor clothing of the Alpine regions—preserved with nearly ninety years of genuine character intact.