Built for speed, resilience, and authority, this original 1940s German motorcycle despatch rider jacket is a striking relic of wartime design. Worn by riders tasked with carrying vital communications across uncertain terrain, it embodies the balance of protection, utility, and presence that defined German military motorcycling apparel of the era.
Cut from midweight horsehide in an uncommon deep green finish, the jacket carries a commanding silhouette. Its asymmetric front fastens with an original Opti zipper — fully refurbished for smooth function — while two angled waist pockets and a vertical chest pocket provide practical storage. Reinforced shoulders and a diamond-quilted panel at the lower back add both durability and distinction, hallmarks of German precision tailoring.
Inside, the jacket is lined in moleskin, chosen for warmth and resilience in cold, demanding conditions. The leather has been professionally cleaned and conditioned, preserving its supple strength while displaying a natural patina with light creasing and surface character developed over decades. All zippers have been meticulously refurbished, polished, and lubricated, ensuring reliable function without compromise to authenticity.
Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)
- Chest (armpit to armpit): 20 inch
- Shoulders (seam to seam): 17 inch
- Sleeve (shoulder seam to cuff): 26 inch
- Sleeve (underarm to cuff): 16 inch
- Back length (collar seam to hem): 27.5 inch
In excellent condition for its age, this rare despatch rider’s jacket remains one of the most evocative examples of wartime motorcycling gear. Functional, collectible, and full of presence, it carries the enduring legacy of those who relied on speed and resilience when it mattered most.
