1940s Monarch Horsehide Leather Jacket – Medium (42)

A Heritage Steeped in Craftsmanship

Monarch Milwaukee was a powerhouse in the Golden Age of American leatherwork, renowned for using premium horsehide sourced and tanned for pure strength and resilience. Every seam, button, and pocket flap was designed to outlast its wearer—this jacket wasn’t made to be fashionable; it was made to survive. With its distinctive four-pocket design, reinforced stitching, and brawny horsehide shell, this jacket was a trusted companion for outdoorsmen, laborers, and adventurers alike. The label proudly reads “Genuine Horsehide,” a mark of authenticity that assures you’re wearing something built to last generations.

Distinctive Craftsmanship & Design

• Horsehide Leather: Sourced and tanned for unparalleled strength, showcasing a bold, authentic patina that tells its own story.
• Four-Pocket Construction: Reinforced stitching and signature curved flaps balance utility with understated style.
• Smooth Rayon Lining: Offers a comfortable, fuss-free interior that aligns with the jacket’s honest, functional ethos.
• Original Monarch Label: A true collector’s detail, underscoring the brand’s Milwaukee heritage and storied reputation.

Features & Details

• Genuine Horsehide Leather: Monarch’s hide, renowned for its durability and unique grain
• Four Front Pockets: Functional and perfectly shaped for essentials
• Original & Replaced Buttons: Five replaced with expertly matched, period-correct buttons
• Rayon Lining: Smooth and soft, showing only minor age-related wear

Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)

• Chest (Armpit to Armpit): 22.5"
• Underarm to Cuff: 17.5"
• Shoulder Seam to Cuff: 25.5"
• Across Shoulders: 18"
• Back Length (Bottom of Collar to Hem): 29"

Best suited for a Men’s 42 chest size with a fitted silhouette. Please compare these measurements to a similar jacket you own for accurate sizing.

Condition & Restoration

This jacket has been professionally restored and preserved, respecting its legacy while preparing it for its next chapter.

• Specialist Leather Cleaning: Decades of embedded grime were removed, and the leather was nourished to restore natural oils and suppleness.
• Button Replacement: Five buttons were replaced with matching, period-correct pieces dyed to seamlessly blend with the originals.
• Leather Conditioning: Treated with a high-quality conditioner to preserve flexibility and strength, ready for display or occasional wear.

Overall, this jacket is in very good vintage condition. The horsehide shows a well-earned patina with natural creasing and scuffs that add authenticity. The rayon lining displays minor marks commensurate with age. No structural repairs were needed—just the button replacements to keep it fully functional.

A piece for collectors who want more than just clothing, this Monarch Milwaukee horsehide jacket stands as an investment in American history. Built to endure and carefully restored to preserve, it’s ideal for those who appreciate the kind of quality that can’t be manufactured, only earned. Whether showcased in a collection or worn for special occasions, this jacket speaks volumes before you even say a word.