{"product_id":"vintage-1940s-german-wehrmacht-kradmelder-goatskin-motorcycle-jacket","title":"Vintage 1940s German Wehrmacht Kradmelder Leather Motorcycle Dispatch Rider Jacket","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eDating to the 1940s, this German goatskin leather motorcycle jacket is an exceptionally well-preserved example of the substantial protective garments associated with the wartime era. Its long belted silhouette, asymmetric construction and surviving German hardware place it firmly within the tradition of early motorcycle and dispatch-rider clothing.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the Second World War, motorcycles played an important role in German military communications and transport. Motorcycle dispatch riders, known as Kradmelder, carried messages, documents and orders between positions, often travelling considerable distances in exposed conditions. The broader term Melder referred to military messengers, while the Kradmelder performed this role by motorcycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor these riders, protective clothing was essential. Wind, rain, cold and road debris demanded considerably greater coverage than an ordinary uniform tunic could provide. Long leather bodies protected the torso and upper legs, while substantial collars, belted waists and internal storm cuffs provided additional protection against wind and exposed riding conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis jacket embodies that functional approach particularly well. Its most distinctive feature is the heavy asymmetric front closure. Rather than meeting conventionally at the centre, the substantial zipper sits well to one side, allowing the goatskin to overlap deeply across the torso when closed. The resulting double layer of leather across much of the chest provides considerably greater protection against wind when travelling by motorcycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe full leather waist belt draws the jacket closely around the body, creating the purposeful silhouette associated with early European motorcycle clothing. Above it sits a broad leather turn-down collar and a distinctive arrangement of shaped shoulder and chest panels that gives the jacket its unmistakable period profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA vertical ZIPP-fastened breast pocket provides secure and readily accessible storage. Pockets positioned in this manner are often described by collectors as map or dispatch pockets because of their suitability for carrying documents while travelling. Two substantial lower pockets with shaped flaps provide further storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHidden inside the sleeves is another particularly purposeful detail. Concealed internal storm cuffs create an additional barrier around the wrists, helping prevent cold air from travelling up the sleeves when riding. It is the kind of practical feature that reveals just how seriously protection from the elements was considered in the construction of the jacket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surviving hardware is an especially important part of this example. Its imposing asymmetric main zipper is marked ZIPP, with further period ZIPP hardware retained elsewhere on the garment. ZIPP hardware is documented on German clothing and equipment from the wartime and immediate post-war period, making its survival throughout the jacket particularly noteworthy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original full leather waist belt retains its distinctive Gutoz PATENT metal fitting, another fascinating piece of surviving German period hardware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside the jacket is an original woven Modell 306 label with its maker's device. Model numbers of this kind were used by German clothing manufacturers to distinguish individual commercial styles and patterns, and the Modell 306 designation appears to relate to the manufacturer's pattern or style reference rather than a military unit designation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination is particularly interesting. The Modell 306 label sits within a jacket constructed from dark brown goatskin, with a deeply overlapping asymmetric front, long belted body, vertical zipped breast pocket, concealed storm cuffs and surviving German ZIPP and Gutoz hardware. Together these elements form a compelling group of period details consistent with German motorcycle clothing of the 1940s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGerman motorcycle and service clothing of the period was not represented by one universal pattern. Alongside military clothing were privately purchased and commercially manufactured leather garments used for motorcycle, occupational and service purposes. This resulted in considerable variation among surviving wartime examples and helps explain why garments associated with Wehrmacht-era motorcycle use do not necessarily carry conventional military issue markings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe construction of this jacket belongs strongly to the world of German wartime motorcycle clothing and the equipment associated with the Kradmelder. Without surviving issue markings or documented provenance, however, we do not attribute this individual jacket to a particular Wehrmacht unit, branch or original wearer. Its historical identity is instead presented through the considerable period evidence surviving within the garment itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore than eighty years later, the goatskin is extraordinary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dark brown hide has developed a stunning natural patina that simply cannot be replicated by artificial ageing. Deep chocolate tones move into warmer brown and chestnut shades across exposed areas, while the distinctive natural grain of the goatskin gives the surface remarkable depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shoulders, sleeves, pocket edges, seams and belt have each aged differently. Fine creasing, subtle rubbing, softened edges and individual markings remain visible throughout, creating the irregular surface character that distinguishes genuinely aged leather from a modern garment manufactured to appear old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNothing has been recoloured or disguised. The variations visible today are part of the history of the jacket, accumulated gradually through decades of genuine age and use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerhaps most impressive is the condition beneath that patina. The goatskin remains remarkably strong and structurally sound. It is a rare combination: a jacket carrying the unmistakable surface character of more than eighty years while remaining a substantial and genuinely wearable garment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts period ZIPP hardware, Gutoz belt fitting, Modell 306 identification, protective construction and extraordinary goatskin patina combine to make this a particularly evocative survivor from the era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Preservation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent vintage condition for its age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsidering its approximately eighty-year history, the preservation of this jacket is exceptional. The dark brown goatskin remains remarkably strong and structurally sound, with beautifully preserved natural grain and a deeply established patina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surface carries the characteristics expected of genuine period leather, including fine creasing, rubbing, small marks, softened edges and natural tonal variation. These have developed gradually over many decades and form an important part of the character and appearance of the jacket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe jacket has been specialist cleaned and conditioned in-house, with particular care taken to replenish the aged goatskin while preserving its original surface, grain and established patina. No recolouring or artificial distressing has been carried out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe period ZIPP zippers have been carefully refurbished, cleaned, waxed and polished and operate smoothly. The remaining metal hardware has also been carefully cleaned while retaining its age-developed appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo sympathetic replacement buttons have been fitted to the upper front flaps where the originals were missing. These were carefully selected to sit appropriately alongside the surviving period buttons and restore the intended appearance and function of the flaps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original Gutoz PATENT belt fitting has a break to one side. The fitting nevertheless remains functional and the belt can still be fastened. We believe we have a suitable period spare within our workshop stock and are attempting to locate it. If found, we will either undertake an appropriate repair or replacement before dispatch, or supply the spare fitting with the jacket for its new owner. The original Gutoz fitting will remain with the garment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original brown textile lining is exceptionally well preserved for its age. The internal pocket remains present, together with the woven Modell 306 identification label, which remains clearly legible. The concealed internal storm cuffs also remain present and serviceable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, this is an exceptionally well-preserved and highly characterful early German goatskin motorcycle jacket. Our work has concentrated on preservation and function while retaining the original leather surface, period components and genuine evidence of more than eight decades of age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCirca 1940s German construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWWII-era motorcycle \/ dispatch-rider design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGerman Kradmelder \/ Melder historical association\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDark brown goatskin leather\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong protective motorcycle jacket silhouette\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExceptional naturally developed patina\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeep chocolate, brown and chestnut tonal variation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRich natural goatskin grain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong and structurally sound leather\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeavy asymmetric overlapping front construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeriod German ZIPP main zipper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdditional period ZIPP zip hardware\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVertical zipped breast \/ map-style pocket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo substantial lower flap pockets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull leather waist belt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal Gutoz PATENT belt fitting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBroad leather turn-down collar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistinctive shaped shoulder and chest panels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConcealed internal storm cuffs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeriod buttons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo sympathetic replacement buttons fitted to upper front flaps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal brown textile lining\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInternal pocket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal Modell 306 identification label\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent vintage condition for its age\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGarment Measurements, Laid Flat\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChest, armpit to armpit: 22\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShoulders, seam to seam: 18\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSleeve, shoulder seam to cuff: 26'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSleeve, underarm seam to cuff: 18\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBack length, collar seam to hem: 31\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest suited to approximately a Size S\/M \/ 40\" chest. Please compare the measurements with a similar garment you own to ensure the best fit.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Revive \u0026 Restore Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54801546772803,"sku":"EB5099","price":695.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0786\/2232\/7107\/files\/IMG_4763.jpg?v=1788950605","url":"https:\/\/reviverestorevintage.co.uk\/products\/vintage-1940s-german-wehrmacht-kradmelder-goatskin-motorcycle-jacket","provider":"Revive \u0026 Restore Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}