Vintage 1950s Campus Horsehide Leather Jacket Small (38)

This 1950s Campus Front Quarter Horsehide jacket represents the pinnacle of mid-century American leather artistry and serves as a direct ancestor to what Aero Leather would later popularise as their coveted "Rockafella" model. Crafted during Campus's golden era of manufacturing excellence (the company established 1922), this jacket showcases the clean, sophisticated silhouette that would become a blueprint for premium leather designs for decades to follow.

The exceptional chocolate brown leather exhibits the unmistakable depth and dimension that only authentic vintage horsehide possesses. Campus's meticulous material selection—specifically front quarter horsehide—showcases their commitment to using only the most durable and character-rich sections of the hide, a standard rarely matched in contemporary production.

Every architectural element of this jacket reflects Campus's signature design language: the perfectly proportioned collar, the strategically positioned chest pocket with its distinctive chain pull detail, the functional side entry pockets, and the adjustable side buckles that provided both customised fit and aesthetic distinction. These design elements would later influence Aero's celebrated Rockafella jacket, but this Campus original represents the authentic American source material—the genuine article from which later interpretations would draw inspiration.

The interior reveals the original mint green quilted lining with its characteristic zigzag stitching pattern—an instantly recognisable hallmark of authentic Campus construction. This period-correct detail remains remarkably well-preserved, showing only the minimal signs of age consistent with a thoughtfully maintained vintage garment.

Our specialised restoration team has approached this historic piece with both reverence and expertise. Each zipper has undergone meticulous refurbishment, polishing and waxing to ensure smooth operation while preserving originality. The leather has been treated using our proprietary in-house conditioning formulation, specifically developed for vintage horsehide to maintain its distinctive character and structural integrity.

Garment Measurements (Laid Flat):

• Chest (across the front): 21"
• Shoulders (across the back): 18"
• Underarm seam to cuff sleeve length: 17"
• Top of shoulder seam to cuff sleeve length: 26.5"
• Total length (from bottom of collar to hem): 26"

Campus horsehide jackets from this era are now extraordinarily rare in wearable condition. While Aero's Rockafella model pays homage to this design, this original Campus represents a chance to own the genuine article—an authentic piece of American manufacturing heritage that directly influenced modern classics, created when craftsmanship was truly uncompromising.