{"product_id":"original-1950s-american-half-belt-steerhide-leather-jacket","title":"Original 1950s American Half-Belt Glove-Tanned Steerhide Leather Jacket","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-8 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eMade in America during the 1950s, this substantial leather sports jacket belongs to the great tradition of civilian half-belt outerwear that became such a distinctive part of mid-century American dress. Designed for movement rather than military service, jackets of this kind combined the protection of heavyweight leather with a shaped, practical cut suited to driving, travel and everyday wear. More than seventy years later, the design remains immediately recognisable, but it is the extraordinary leather that gives this particular example its presence.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut from premium glove-tanned steerhide, the jacket has considerable weight and strength while remaining remarkably soft and pliant. This type of leather combined the durability of mature bovine hide with a far more supple, flexible handle than more rigid heavyweight steerhide. Decades of movement have taken that character considerably further. The sleeves are beautifully broken in and fluid, while the larger body panels retain deeper organic valley-and-ridge grain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe colour has developed just as impressively. Deep brown remains at the foundation, but years of genuine wear have introduced mahogany, chestnut, tobacco and warm russet across the surface. The variation is particularly striking over the shoulders, sleeves, seams and broad rear panels, where changes in grain and tone catch the light differently from one section of hide to another. Fine scratches, rubbing, creasing and softened edges remain visible throughout, creating a depth that could never be convincingly manufactured. This is patina earned slowly through use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts construction is unmistakably purposeful. A broad pointed collar sits above a horizontal front chest yoke, accompanied by a period Talon-zipped breast pocket and two substantial lower flap pockets. Turn the jacket around and the pattern becomes considerably more expressive. A broad scalloped rear shoulder yoke sweeps across the upper back before opening into large panels of steerhide. Below, the characteristic stitched half belt anchors the waist, with subtle gathering allowing the leather to move while creating the shaped silhouette for which American half-belt jackets became known.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original maker's label is no longer present, so we have deliberately avoided attributing the jacket to a particular manufacturer. Its American construction, 1950s styling and period Talon hardware nevertheless place it firmly within the mid-century leather sports-jacket tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside is a rich red satin lining. Given its appearance, construction and the absence of the original maker's label, it appears likely to have been sympathetically replaced at some point during the jacket's long life, although this cannot be established with certainty. It remains remarkably well preserved with only minimal light wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is something particularly satisfying about a jacket that has survived this long without losing the qualities that made it useful in the first place. The steerhide remains substantial and strong, yet decades of wear have left it softer, richer in colour and entirely individual.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMore than seventy years of wear have not diminished this jacket. They have created it.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Restoration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery good vintage condition for an original leather jacket of this age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe premium glove-tanned steerhide remains strong, substantial and structurally sound, with an exceptionally soft and pliant handle. Decades of genuine wear have produced extensive natural patina, with the surface moving through deep brown, mahogany, chestnut, tobacco and warmer russet tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNatural grain variation, fine scratches, rubbing, creasing, softened edges and areas of finish wear are present throughout. These are consistent with more than seventy years of age and form an important part of the jacket's established character. The tonal development is particularly attractive across the shoulders, sleeves and large rear panels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe red satin lining remains in very good condition with only minimal light wear. It appears likely to be a sympathetic later replacement, although without surviving maker information this cannot be established conclusively.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe jacket has been specialist leather cleaned and conditioned in-house, with particular care taken to preserve its exceptional natural colour variation, grain and patina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs part of the restoration, the leather has also been carefully reshaped to reduce undesirable set-in creasing caused by prolonged wear and storage, restoring a more natural structure and drape without altering the jacket's original construction or removing the character of the hide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe period Talon zippers have been carefully cleaned and serviced, together with the remaining hardware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, the jacket remains exceptionally wearable, retaining the strength and substance of its original steerhide alongside the softness, colour and character that only genuine age can produce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003eKey Features\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal 1950s American leather sports jacket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClassic half-belt design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePremium glove-tanned steerhide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeavy and substantial yet exceptionally soft and pliant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMore than 70 years of genuine age and wear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExceptional naturally developed patina\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeep brown, mahogany, chestnut, tobacco and warm russet tonal variation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePronounced organic grain across the larger hide panels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeautifully broken-in sleeves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBroad pointed leather collar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHorizontal front chest yoke\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeriod Talon-zipped breast pocket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo substantial lower flap pockets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeriod Talon zipper hardware\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBroad scalloped rear shoulder yoke\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge rear steerhide panels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCharacteristic stitched rear half belt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubtle gathering around the waist for movement\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRich red satin lining, likely a sympathetic later replacement\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMinimal light wear to lining\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecialist restored in-house\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong and fully wearable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery good vintage condition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGarment Measurements, Laid Flat\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChest, armpit to armpit: 21\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShoulders, seam to seam: 17\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShoulder seam to cuff: 24\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnderarm seam to cuff: 18\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBack length, base of collar to hem: 26.5\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eBest suited to approximately a 38\" chest, Size Small, with a regular fit. For the best indication of fit, please compare the measurements above with a similar jacket you already own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Revive \u0026 Restore Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54812279439683,"sku":"EB5113","price":550.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0786\/2232\/7107\/files\/IMG_5307_b49b0a76-0f6d-4c39-a82a-758fb40ca128.jpg?v=1789378927","url":"https:\/\/reviverestorevintage.co.uk\/products\/original-1950s-american-half-belt-steerhide-leather-jacket","provider":"Revive \u0026 Restore Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}