There are jackets that survive — and then there are jackets that truly endure. This German motorcycle jacket from the late 1940s to early 1950s bears every mark of a life lived at speed, a piece that has not been hidden away but trusted, adapted, and kept on the road for decades.
Made from a mid-weight brown cowhide leather, it carries a patina that only time and true use could create, deep creases, tonal variations, and abrasions preserved through our specialist cleaning and conditioning programme. The quilted rear panel, reinforced cuffs, and sturdy collar remain intact, showcasing the rugged functionality of German post-war design.
Original Zipp zippers, stamped with the iconic lightning bolt, anchor its authenticity, refurbished and lubricated to ensure smooth action without erasing their history. Over time, the jacket was given personal adaptations by its rider: a black belt added across the waist, removable if desired; press studs fixed at the collar for extra security; and careful stitch repairs reinforcing the lining and neckline. These changes are part of its story, testament to the value placed on this garment by someone who relied upon it.
Professionally leather cleaned, conditioned, and preserved, the jacket is wearable today while retaining all the raw honesty of its past, an original relic of European motorcycling culture.
Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)
- Chest (pit to pit): 21.5"
- Shoulders (seam to seam): 19"
- Sleeve length (shoulder to cuff): 25"
- Back length (collar seam to hem): 23.5"
Best suited for a 38 Regular - 40 Slim fit. For best fit, compare with a similar jacket in your collection.
This jacket is more than clothing. It is history you can wear — a rare collector’s piece, carrying the scars, adaptations, and spirit of the motorcyclist who lived in it.
