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.