{"product_id":"wwii-1940s-german-gelmok-horsehide-leather-motorcycle-jacket","title":"WWII 1940s German Gelmok Horsehide Leather Motorcycle Jacket","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"181\" data-end=\"570\"\u003eThis vintage leather jacket reflects the material-led construction of 1940s German motorcycle wear, a period where garments were built with clear purpose and long-term use in mind. Jackets of this type were commonly worn by civilian riders but were also adopted in military contexts, particularly by motorcycle dispatch riders, where durability, protection and practicality were essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"572\" data-end=\"953\"\u003eProduced by Gelmok, the jacket sits within a class of European workshop-made leather garments, where construction relied on traditional methods rather than mass production. The cut is direct and functional, shaped for movement on the motorcycle while retaining a structured silhouette. There is a natural balance to the proportions, giving the jacket both presence and wearability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"955\" data-end=\"1396\"\u003eThe leather is horsehide, dense and resilient with the tight grain structure typical of the period. It carries a beautifully stored patina across the surface, developed over decades of use and careful keeping. Tonal variation runs throughout, with darker low points and warmer undertones coming through across the sleeves, body and collar. The hide remains strong and supple, with a well-balanced handle that reflects age without compromise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1398\" data-end=\"1700\"\u003eThe hardware is consistent with the era. The main front zipper is a ZIPP unit, operating smoothly and securely. The pocket zippers are marked OPTI, all present, restored and lubricated, and functioning as they should. These details sit comfortably within the context of mid-century European production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1702\" data-end=\"1944\"\u003eThe design is practical and purposeful. The front layout is clean, with angled hand pockets and a chest pocket positioned for ease of access. The overall structure remains true, with the jacket holding its original shape well despite its age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"pjkara\" data-start=\"2150\" data-end=\"2180\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition and Preservation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2182\" data-end=\"2477\"\u003eThe jacket presents in good vintage condition for its age. The horsehide remains structurally sound, with a consistent and well-balanced feel throughout. The surface shows natural wear in high-contact areas, with character sitting within the grain rather than indicating any structural weakness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2479\" data-end=\"2733\"\u003eThere are age-related repairs carried out over time to the inner lining, visible at the hem, under the arms, at the top of the lining, and around the back of the neck. All repairs are secure and reflect a jacket that was maintained and kept in service rather than discarded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2735\" data-end=\"3107\"\u003eWhen acquired, the leather had dried out and has since been professionally cleaned and conditioned in our workshop to restore balance and flexibility. This has been carried out with restraint, preserving the original tone and patina while bringing the hide back to a stable, wearable condition. Particular attention was given to the neck area, where wear was most evident.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3109\" data-end=\"3193\"\u003eThe ZIPP and OPTI zippers have been restored and lubricated, and function correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3195\" data-end=\"3376\"\u003eOverall, the jacket is clean, sound and fully wearable. It stands as a piece that has clearly been valued and cared for, with repairs made to extend its life rather than replace it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3378\" data-end=\"3558\"\u003eA rare and honest example of a WWII-era German motorcycle jacket, with clear links to both civilian and dispatch use, and a level of character that can only be earned through time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3766\" data-end=\"3769\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"es5bte\" data-start=\"3771\" data-end=\"3799\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Identifying Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3801\" data-end=\"4203\"\u003e• WWII-era German motorcycle jacket by Gelmok\u003cbr data-start=\"3846\" data-end=\"3849\"\u003e• Horsehide construction with beautifully developed stored patina\u003cbr data-start=\"3914\" data-end=\"3917\"\u003e• ZIPP main front zipper\u003cbr data-start=\"3941\" data-end=\"3944\"\u003e• OPTI metal pocket zippers\u003cbr data-start=\"3971\" data-end=\"3974\"\u003e• Traditional European workshop construction\u003cbr data-start=\"4018\" data-end=\"4021\"\u003e• Angled hand pockets and chest pocket layout\u003cbr data-start=\"4066\" data-end=\"4069\"\u003e• Brown cloth lining with period repairs\u003cbr data-start=\"4109\" data-end=\"4112\"\u003e• Evidence of long-term use and maintenance\u003cbr data-start=\"4155\" data-end=\"4158\"\u003e• Strong seams and stable overall structure\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"4205\" data-end=\"4208\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1do4eyv\" data-start=\"4210\" data-end=\"4246\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGarment Measurements (Laid Flat)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4248\" data-end=\"4483\"\u003e• Chest (armpit to armpit): 23.5 inches\u003cbr data-start=\"4285\" data-end=\"4288\"\u003e• Shoulders (seam to seam): 18.5 inches\u003cbr data-start=\"4327\" data-end=\"4330\"\u003e• Sleeve length (shoulder seam to cuff): 25.5 inches\u003cbr data-start=\"4380\" data-end=\"4383\"\u003e• Sleeve length (underarm seam to cuff): 16 inches (short arms)\u003cbr data-start=\"4433\" data-end=\"4436\"\u003e• Back length (collar seam to hem): 24 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4485\" data-end=\"4598\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eBest suited to a 42 inch chest. The fit is short in the body with shorter sleeve length. Please compare with a similar garment to ensure correct sizing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Revive Restore Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54287477342531,"sku":"EB5031","price":495.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0786\/2232\/7107\/files\/IMG_6533.jpg?v=1773924790","url":"https:\/\/reviverestorevintage.co.uk\/products\/wwii-1940s-german-gelmok-horsehide-leather-motorcycle-jacket","provider":"Revive \u0026 Restore Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}