Vintage 1940s German Leather Motorcycle Jacket Ritsch Zippers Medium (42)

Built for riders who braved unforgiving roads during the war years and the difficult reconstruction that followed, this German motorcycle jacket captures the grit, urgency, and resourcefulness of the 1940s. During this era, motorcycles became indispensable for both military and civilian use, ridden by dispatch couriers, mechanics, auxiliary personnel, and essential workers who needed fast, reliable transport in a country under immense strain. Jackets like this were not fashion pieces. They were relied upon daily, serving as practical armour in a time defined by scarcity, rationing, and necessity.

Constructed from substantial chrome-tanned cowhide, the jacket was engineered for durability in harsh conditions, wind, cold, rain, and the constant vibration of the machine beneath its rider. Its straight, functional motorcycle cut, four zip pockets, and reinforced collar reflect the practical needs of wartime riders and post-war workers alike.

Inside, the original blue-grey cotton lining remains intact, showing natural wear and colour loss from decades of use, as seen in the images. It retains the presence and quiet history expected of a garment worn through a defining period of German history.

What firmly grounds this piece in the 1940s is its hardware. This jacket features original Ritsch zippers, the same wartime-era hardware used extensively across German military and civilian gear. Ritsch zips appeared on dispatch riders’ jackets, field equipment, private-purchase motorcycle garments, and essential workwear throughout the war and immediate post-war years. Their presence is a clear indicator of early-mid 1940s manufacture and situates this jacket within the material culture of the time.

More than a vintage garment, this is a survivor of the war years, carrying the weight, story, and tactile authenticity of those who depended on it. Today, it stands as a rare example of wartime/post-war German motorcycle craftsmanship, original, evocative, and historically meaningful.

Professionally Cleaned and Restored

Professionally cleaned and conditioned in-house, the jacket retains its strength, suppleness, and tactile richness while preserving its historical integrity. The leather handles beautifully and all components function smoothly. The original lining shows natural age-related wear and colour loss but remains fully intact. The left pocket zip was replaced by the previous owner with a period-correct wartime style zipper, maintaining full authenticity. Condition is very good vintage overall, with no structural issues or damage.

Key Identifying Features

• Authentic 1940s German motorcycle jacket
• Likely used during the wartime or immediate post-war years
• Heavy chrome-tanned cowhide construction
• Functional four-pocket motorcycle configuration
• 1940s Ritsch zippers used across wartime German military and civilian gear
• Left pocket fitted with a period-correct replacement zip
• Original blue-grey moleskin cotton lining with natural wear
• Strong, clean stitching consistent with 1940s manufacture
• Classic wartime/post-war motorcycle silhouette

Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)

• Chest (armpit to armpit): 23"
• Shoulders (seam to seam): 19"
• Sleeve length (shoulder seam to cuff): 25.5"
• Sleeve length (underarm seam to cuff): 17.5"
• Back length (collar seam to hem): 29"

Best suited for a Medium frame 42 inch chest size.

A rare and evocative German motorcycle jacket from the 1940s, complete with wartime era Ritsch hardware and period construction. Built for riders who depended on their equipment during challenging years, and restored with respect for its history, this is an exceptional piece for collectors seeking true wartime authenticity in a wearable, investment grade garment.