Forged in the aftermath of war and built for the riders who lived by their machines, this 1940s German motorcycle jacket by BWS Lederbekleidung carries with it the weight of authenticity. Not a reproduction, not a tribute — this is an original, crafted at a time when a jacket was as much armour as it was clothing.
Cut from heavyweight horsehide, its presence is immediate. The leather bears that unmistakable density and grain of mid-century hides, protective, unyielding, and now aged into a patina that tells its own story. Creases, fades, and tonal shifts move across the surface like a map of roads long travelled.
The details set this piece apart. RIES brass zippers command attention, from the angled chest and waist pockets to the rare rear attachment zip, a feature reserved for true riding jackets, meant to fasten securely to trousers against wind and weather. Quilted shoulder panels speak to function as much as style, while the soft, rugged moleskin lining remains a hallmark of German craftsmanship.
Professionally cleaned and conditioned, the jacket has been revived for continued wear while preserving every scar of its history. Nothing contrived, nothing artificial — just the raw honesty of a garment that has seen the road and survived.
Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)
- Chest (pit to pit): 22"
- Shoulders (seam to seam): 19.5"
- Sleeve length (shoulder to cuff): 26"
- Sleeve length (underarm to cuff): 16.5"
- Back length (collar seam to hem): 25"
Best suited for a 38 Regular or a slim 40. For best fit, compare with a similar jacket in your collection.
This is more than vintage. It is a true artefact of German motorcycling heritage — rare, original, and impossible to replicate. For the collector who understands what that means, it stands as a jacket with presence, history, and soul.
