{"product_id":"vintage-1940s-german-wwii-goatskin-kradmelder-motorcycle-jacket","title":"Original 1940s German WWII Goatskin Kradmelder Motorcycle Jacket","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eDating from the 1940s, this remarkable goatskin motorcycle jacket is a survivor from the world of wartime European riding clothing. Long, belted and built for hard use, it is the type of substantial leather outerwear closely associated with German military motorcyclists and Kradmelder during the Second World War.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKradmelder, or motorcycle-mounted military messengers, carried orders and communications between units, making practical and protective riding clothing an essential part of the role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut from tough, substantial goatskin, the jacket wears a deep bottle-green finish, burnished by more than eighty years of use. Warmer brown tones have emerged naturally along the collar, seams and cuffs, while pronounced grain, creasing and tonal variation run across the larger panels. Despite its age, the hide remains exceptionally strong and supple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe construction is purposeful. A shaped yoke gives structure across the chest, with two horizontal zipped breast pockets beneath and a further pair of angled zipped pockets lower on the body. Four secure external pockets provided genuine utility on the road, while period brass-toned ZIP hardware survives throughout, naturally darkened and mellowed with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA full leather belt draws the long body firmly into the waist, fastening through a leather-covered rectangular buckle. Broad button-adjustable cuffs close the sleeves, while the turn-down collar completes a silhouette shaped by practical riding rather than fashion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside, the original moleskin lining remains in place, substantial and practical, with gathering through the waist beneath the outer belt. Its survival alongside the goatskin shell and period hardware adds considerably to the integrity of a working jacket now more than eight decades old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are no surviving maker's labels, military issue stamps or identifying marks, so the jacket cannot be attributed to a particular manufacturer, German formation or original wearer. What remains is the physical evidence of the garment itself: its period construction, ZIP hardware, original moleskin lining and long belted form, all characteristic of European motorcycle clothing associated with German riders and dispatch personnel of the era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe jacket carries extensive evidence of its age and use in the grain, rubbing, creasing and changing tones of the green leather, while remaining remarkably substantial and structurally sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn unusually complete and evocative example of 1940s wartime riding clothing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Restoration\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery good vintage condition for a goatskin motorcycle jacket dating from the 1940s, retaining extensive original character and naturally developed patina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe goatskin remains exceptionally tough, substantial and structurally sound throughout. The deep bottle-green surface displays pronounced natural grain, creasing, rubbing and age-developed tonal variation, with warmer brown tones visible around the collar, cuffs, seams and other areas of repeated contact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are a number of small nicks and surface marks to the leather consistent with its considerable age and history of use. These form part of the jacket's established patina rather than significant structural damage and are clearly shown in the photographs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original moleskin lining remains in place and shows age-related wear consistent with a garment of this period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe jacket has been specialist cleaned and conditioned in-house, with care taken to preserve the strength of the hide and its established surface character. The period ZIP fasteners have been refurbished, cleaned, waxed and polished and operate smoothly. Remaining hardware has also been carefully cleaned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, the jacket remains remarkably strong and wearable for its age, with the nicks, rubbing, creasing and tonal variation forming part of the genuine character developed over approximately eighty years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll photographs show the actual jacket offered for sale. Please study them carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCirca 1940s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWWII-period European motorcycle jacket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType associated with German wartime motorcyclists and Kradmelder\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTough, substantial goatskin construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeep bottle-green leather\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm brown tones developed naturally through wear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePronounced original grain and patina\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong, close-cut riding silhouette\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShaped upper chest yoke\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBroad turn-down leather collar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeriod ZIP main zipper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo horizontal zipped breast pockets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo angled zipped lower pockets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFour secure external zipped pockets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull leather waist belt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeather-covered rectangular buckle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBroad button-adjustable cuffs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeriod brass-toned hardware\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal moleskin lining\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo surviving maker's label or military markings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery good vintage condition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGarment Measurements, Laid Flat\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChest, armpit to armpit: 22.5\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShoulders, seam to seam: 18.5\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSleeve, shoulder seam to cuff: 25\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSleeve, underarm seam to cuff: 17.5\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBack length, collar seam to hem: 31.5\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecommended for approximately a 40\" chest \/ S\/M, depending on your preferred fit and intended layering. For the best indication of fit, please compare the measurements above with a similar jacket you already own.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Revive \u0026 Restore Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54803517866307,"sku":"EB5104","price":595.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0786\/2232\/7107\/files\/IMG_4911_bd55ede1-a253-43a7-b533-1fab83c5c17e.jpg?v=1789041066","url":"https:\/\/reviverestorevintage.co.uk\/products\/vintage-1940s-german-wwii-goatskin-kradmelder-motorcycle-jacket","provider":"Revive \u0026 Restore Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}