Produced in Germany during the final years of the Second World War, this aviator jacket offers a rare insight into the transitional designs worn by Luftwaffe aircrew and civilian pilots alike. Made at a time when resources were limited and craftsmanship relied on skill rather than industry, it embodies the understated precision and practicality of wartime tailoring.
Cut from buttery full-grain calfskin, the leather carries an extraordinary surface character, soft to the touch yet dense and resilient, with a naturally developed patina that reveals the depth of its age. The interior is lined in brushed moleskin, with sateen-lined sleeves for ease of movement, and finished with ribbed wool cuffs, collar, and waistband in the Luftwaffe style. Original EWA zippers produced in Germany between 1943 and 1945 confirm its wartime provenance, their distinctive teeth and pull design unique to the late-war period.
Unlike regulation-issue garments, this piece was likely privately commissioned for aviators or ground technical staff, blending functional military influence with artisan tailoring. It has been carefully cleaned and conditioned in-house, preserving the hide’s integrity and suppleness without disturbing its natural finish. The leather remains strong, the lining intact, and all zips and hardware operate smoothly. Subtle fading to the ribbing and surface tonality reflects nothing more than the quiet passage of time.
Key Features
- WWII-era German aviator jacket – c.1943–45
- Constructed from buttery soft full-grain calfskin with rich patina
- Original wartime EWA zippers confirming 1943–45 manufacture
- Ribbed wool-knit collar, cuffs, and waistband – Luftwaffe style
- Moleskin body lining and sateen-lined sleeves – clean and intact
- Two angled front pockets with EWA-zip closures
- Precision double-stitched seams and reinforced shoulders
- Professionally cleaned and conditioned in-house
- Condition: very good vintage – supple, strong, and beautifully aged
Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)
- Chest (armpit to armpit): 21"
- Shoulders (seam to seam): 17.5"
- Sleeve length (shoulder seam to cuff): 23.5"
- Sleeve length (underarm seam to cuff): 16"
- Back length (collar seam to hem): 25"
This jacket is best suited for a small body frame and a 38" regular chest size.
A true collector’s piece — bridging the line between military function and civilian craftsmanship. Made in Germany as the war reached its final years, this jacket captures an era when material scarcity demanded ingenuity, and every garment bore the signature of its maker’s hand
