Vintage 1950s Austrian Motorcycle Police Leather Jacket RITSCH Hardware

This Anton Vanek motorcycle jacket reflects the disciplined construction of early Austrian police riding equipment. Designed for motorcycle patrol rather than general duty, it belongs to a period when service leather had to endure constant road use, weather exposure and long hours in the saddle. The cut is practical and controlled, with reinforced areas placed exactly where a rider needed durability and support.

The jacket was produced by Maßschneiderei Anton Vanek of Vienna, a respected tailoring workshop founded in 1912. Unlike later Austrian police jackets produced under formal ministry contracts, examples carrying the workshop label reflect smaller scale production where garments were constructed with traditional tailoring methods rather than simplified factory processes. Construction details place this piece in the late 1950s to very early 1960s, during a transitional period before police motorcycle jackets became more standardised.

The leather is dense European steerhide, thick and resilient with excellent structural integrity. Over time the surface has developed a deep natural patina, with subtle tonal variation across the shoulders, back and sleeves that gives the jacket real visual depth. The grain remains tight and consistent, and the leather retains its strength and balance while displaying the honest character expected from a mid century service garment.

The design clearly reflects its intended role as motorcycle patrol equipment. Across the lower back sits a reinforced quilted kidney panel constructed with diamond stitching, a feature used to strengthen the area that experienced the most pressure while riding. This reinforcement works together with the double D ring waist adjusters, allowing the jacket to be tensioned securely against the body while seated on a motorcycle. These details are characteristic of earlier Austrian police motorcycle jackets and are encountered less frequently on later standardised examples.

The pockets retain their original RITSCH metal zippers, a respected German manufacturer widely used on quality European leather garments during the 1950s. At some point during the jacket’s working life the main front zipper was replaced with a black OPTI zipper, a practical service repair that allowed the jacket to remain in use. The replacement functions correctly and forms part of the jacket’s authentic working history.

The collar shows stitch ghosting from former rank tabs, a small but telling detail consistent with Austrian police service use. Inside the collar a braided leather hanging loop remains present, another feature more often seen on workshop made garments rather than later contract production.

Internally the jacket is tailored with a black moleskin lining through the body and a lighter sleeve lining to allow easier movement when worn. The lining is set separately from the leather rather than bonded directly to it, reflecting traditional workshop construction rather than later simplified manufacturing methods. It remains clean, intact and structurally sound.

The jacket has been professionally leather cleaned and lightly conditioned in our workshop to preserve suppleness while maintaining the original tone and natural patina of the hide. The leather now presents balanced, strong and ready for continued use or long term collection.

Overall condition is very good for a late 1950s motorcycle service jacket. The leather remains structurally sound with attractive natural ageing throughout, the pocket hardware functions correctly, and the replacement main zipper operates smoothly. The jacket retains all the character expected from a garment that saw genuine service.

A well preserved example of Austrian motorcycle police tailoring by Anton Vanek of Vienna, combining workshop construction with the kind of patina and functional detail that define true mid century service leather.

Key Identifying Features

• Late 1950s to early 1960s Austrian motorcycle police jacket
• Maßschneiderei Anton Vanek tailor’s label – Vienna
• Heavy European steerhide with rich natural patina
• Original RITSCH metal pocket zippers
• Period replacement black OPTI main front zipper
• Reinforced diamond quilted kidney panel
• Double D ring waist adjusters
• Tailored black moleskin body lining
• Lighter sleeve lining for ease of wear
• Collar with stitch ghosting from rank tabs
• Braided leather hanging loop inside collar
• Traditional Viennese workshop construction
• Strong seams and stable structural integrity

Garment Measurements Laid Flat

• Chest (armpit to armpit): 23.5 inches
• Shoulders (seam to seam): 19.5 inches
• Sleeve length (shoulder seam to cuff): 26 inches
• Sleeve length (underarm seam to cuff): 17 inches
• Back length (collar seam to hem): 27 inches

Best suited to a 42 inch chest for a regular fit, or a 44 inch chest for a closer, slimmer fit. Please compare these measurements with a similar jacket to ensure correct sizing.