1940s German Horsehide Leather Motorcycle Jacket - Medium (42-44)

This is more than just a jacket—it’s a survivor from the dawn of Germany’s post-war motorcycle culture. Built in the late 1940s to early 1950s, it carries the grit and energy of a nation rediscovering freedom through speed and self-reliance. For riders taking to the roads after the war, gear had to do more than look the part—it had to endure.

Cut from thick, battle-ready horsehide, the jacket wears a deep green tone that’s softened and burnished by decades of use. The leather moves with a worn-in confidence, rich with tonal shifts, creasing, and a patina that only comes from the road. Inside, the original green moleskin lining adds warmth and comfort—a premium detail found in serious riding gear of the era. Original Ries zippers and a solid Gutos belt buckle lock the waist tight for fast riding, and four zippered pockets offer essential utility.

Professionally cleaned and conditioned using specialist techniques, the leather has been revived without erasing its past. The zippers have been refurbished, running smooth once more, and the belt buckle remains strong and fully functional. A pitted texture on the right sleeve adds raw presence, while discreet hand-stitching at the collar speaks to a rider who wore this jacket hard—and kept it going. The lining remains intact, with no tears or modern replacements, an increasingly rare detail on pieces of this age.

Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)

• Chest (pit to pit): 23"
• Shoulders (seam to seam): 17.5"
• Sleeve length (shoulder to cuff): 27.5"
• Sleeve length (underarm to cuff): 17.5"
• Back length (collar seam to hem): 29"

Best suited for a 42 Regular or a slim 44. Originally designed to fit close to the body—like a second skin. For best fit, compare with a jacket you already own.

A post-war icon built for speed, purpose, and the long road ahead—this one doesn’t just tell a story. It roars it.