Vintage 1950s Austrian Police Motorcycle Jacket with RITSCH Zips

This Anton Vanek motorcycle jacket carries the authority of early Cold War Austrian police tailoring. Cut for service rather than display, it reflects a period when motorcycle patrol units required leather that could withstand sustained road duty, weather exposure and operational wear without compromise.

Produced by Maßschneiderei Anton Vanek of Vienna, the jacket originates from a respected Viennese workshop founded in 1912. The presence of the workshop label, rather than later ministry contract markings, indicates tailored production rather than large-scale bureaucratic supply. Construction details and hardware place it confidently in the late 1950s.

The leather is dense and substantial, consistent with heavy European steerhide used for professional motorcycle patrol. It retains excellent fibre integrity with natural fold memory and controlled service creasing throughout. The surface shows honest mid-century patina developed over decades, yet remains structurally strong with no thinning or weakness. The hide holds form and balance, with seams remaining secure throughout.

All hardware is original RITSCH metal, including the main front zip and pocket zips. RITSCH was a respected German zipper manufacturer active before and after the war, widely used on high-quality European leather garments into the 1950s. By the 1970s, Vanek jackets more commonly featured Riri hardware as production became standardised under formal Gendarmerie contracts. The presence of RITSCH zips throughout aligns with earlier workshop manufacture and transitional supply, placing this jacket outside the later mass-issued contract period.

Earlier Vanek motorcycle jackets from the late 1950s are encountered far less frequently than the more common 1970s contract examples. As production became centralised and standardised, later pieces were manufactured in greater numbers and released in surplus. These earlier workshop-produced examples, particularly those retaining original RITSCH hardware, are becoming increasingly scarce and significantly harder to source in sound, original condition.

The cut is purposeful and functional. A reinforced quilted kidney panel strengthens the lower back, while double D-ring side adjusters allow waist tensioning when seated on a motorcycle. The collar shows stitch ghosting from former rank tabs, consistent with Austrian police service use of the era. These details speak to authentic operational history without alteration.

Internally, the jacket is fully tailored with a bagged moleskin lining through the body and lighter sleeve lining for ease of wear. The lining is not bonded directly to the leather, reflecting workshop-level construction rather than later simplified production. It remains clean and structurally sound.

The jacket has been specialist leather cleaned and lightly conditioned using our workshop dressings to preserve suppleness while retaining original tone and character. It presents stable, balanced and ready for long-term ownership.

Overall condition is excellent for a late 1950s service motorcycle jacket. The leather remains strong, hardware functions correctly, and the jacket carries authentic period character.

A scarce example of early Austrian motorcycle police tailoring by Anton Vanek, complete with original RITSCH hardware and mid-century workshop construction.

Key Identifying Features

• Late 1950s Austrian motorcycle police jacket
• Maßschneiderei Anton Vanek – Wien tailor’s label
• Produced in Vienna, Austria
• Heavy European steerhide with natural service patina
• Original RITSCH metal zippers throughout
• Reinforced quilted kidney panel
• Double D-ring waist adjusters
• Tailored bagged moleskin body lining
• Lighter sleeve lining for ease of wear
• Structured motorcycle patrol cut
• Collar with rank tab stitch ghosting
• High-quality Viennese workshop construction
• Strong seams and stable structural integrity

Garment Measurements Laid Flat

• Chest (armpit to armpit): 23.5"
• Shoulders (seam to seam): 19.5"
• Sleeve length (shoulder seam to cuff): 25"
• Sleeve length (underarm seam to cuff): 16.5"
• Back length (collar seam to hem): 25.5"

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.