This jacket is a time capsule from the golden age of post-war motorcycle culture in Germany. Built in the early 1950s, it embodies the spirit of a country getting back on its feet—and back on the road. Riders demanded gear that could handle long miles and unpredictable weather, and this horsehide motorcycle jacket delivered with understated confidence and serious durability.
Crafted from rich brown horsehide leather, it now carries a soft sheen earned only through years of wear. Inside, a tan viscose lining adds a smooth finish, while the exterior’s Ries front zipper and Opti pocket zips reflect both quality German engineering and a moment in time when wartime surplus hardware met newly available post-war materials. Every crease, every mark, every glint of polished brass hardware speaks to a jacket that hasn’t just been worn—it’s been lived in.
Distinctive Craftsmanship & Design
Rich Horsehide Leather: Heavy, brown horsehide offers robust protection and an authentic patina developed over decades of real-world use.
Quality German Hardware: A Ries main zipper and Opti pocket zips highlight post-war ingenuity, blending surplus materials with new manufacturing.
Tailored Practicality: Adjustable side cinch buckles and a streamlined cut ensure a close, functional fit without sacrificing style.
Lustrous Lining: The original tan viscose interior adds a hint of sophistication, speaking to the era’s balance of utility and refinement.
Features & Details
Era: 1950s Post-War Germany
Material: Heavy brown horsehide leather
Lining: Original tan viscose lining
Hardware: Ries main zipper and Opti pocket zippers — fully functional
Pockets: Two slanted front pockets with zips
Waist: Adjustable side cinch buckles for a tailored fit
Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)
Chest (across the front): 23"
Sleeve (underarm to cuff): 17"
Sleeve (shoulder seam to cuff): 26.5"
Shoulders (across the back): 18.5"
Back Length (bottom of collar to hem): 27"
Best suited for a 42 Regular chest, offering a close, tailored fit. It may also work for a slim 44 chest, depending on your preference. For the most accurate sizing, compare these measurements to a jacket you already own.
Condition & Restoration
Specialist cleaned and conditioned with techniques specifically developed for vintage horsehide, this jacket retains its flexibility and rich, aged glow, preserving every mark of its past.
Refurbished Hardware: The original Ries front zipper and Opti pocket zips have been polished and lubricated for smooth, reliable performance.
Honest Repairs: The collar interior shows hand-stitched mends done decades ago, reflecting the jacket’s working-class roots. The viscose lining bears subtle stitch repairs, each one a testament to how much the jacket was cherished by its previous owner.
Naturally Developed Patina: The horsehide exterior boasts creases, tonal shifts, and depth that only come from authentic wear. No modern alterations have been made, leaving its character and history fully intact.
Considering its age and the life it has led, this jacket remains in exceptional condition—an iconic piece that wears its past proudly while still standing ready for more adventures.
