1930s Horsehide Motorcycle Jacket

Here's a very early motorcycle jacket. This one has so many zippers it's hard to keep track of them all. There are even zippers up the side, which you can't see in the photos. There is a rip in the arm, which I am having repaired. The leather has such a beautiful grain and patina: too bad it doesn't fit me! Some lucky smaller person is going to love this one.

Early Horsehide Barnstormer Jackets

Here are two great examples of early aviation "barnstormer" jackets. The first is American and the second is German. The styles are very similar--both have mouton collars and plenty of buttons and warm linings to protect from the frigid temperatures of open cockpit flying. The German version is in especially good condition--near mint. These both date from the late teens to early 1920s. The German jacket looks very similar to that of the Red Baron's, as pictured in early photos.

Vintage 1940s Spectator Shoes

Here are some really cool deadstock mint condition 1940s spectator shoes. I found these at the local swap meet for ten bucks. The price tag is still on them--$12.95. Expensive for the time. I sold these on Ebay for about $240. Not bad for a trip to the swap meet.

1920's Horsehide Jacket

Here's a very rare 1920's Horsehide jacket. These early jackets were 3/4 length and were more utilitarian in style. Plenty of pockets, lined in soft chamois cotton. This particular jacket comes from a farm in Tennessee. This coat is pre-zipper and has really cool over-sized buttons.

Vintage Horsehide Leather Jackets

I guess I've always loved the look of worn in leather, and since I already collect antiques, it only seems natural for me to move on to vintage clothing. Leather jackets have an interesting history, especially in pop culture. From Fonzie to Indiana Jones, they have been part of our collective consciousness for many years. The designs that I find particularly interesting have nothing to do with the ubiquitous bomber jacket. Well, they have something to do with it; they are pre-cursors. This first jacket is from the 1930's and was made by the California Sportswear Company, which made some really great leather jackets from the 30's through the 50's. I have several, but this is by far the coolest. It's a buckle back jacket made of horsehide with very simple, clean lines. the patina on this jacket is great; it has just enough wear to the arms. The second is a very rare Eisenhower style horsehide jacket from the early 40's. It is a very short jacket and has pleats and front pockets and the collar is quite a departure from most leather jackets. This coat is in near mint condition and has remnants of the maker's label; the only thing I can make out was that it was made in San Francisco. Both jackets are featured in vintage clothing guru Rin Tanaka's book on motorcycle jackets.

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