1930s Motorcycling coat - Need Help

[DR_ Reeves]

Hello!

First post time. Basically, I'm having a 1930s motorcycle overcoat made in the same manner as an original "Armadrake" type (Pictured). Now, one of the features I'd love to incorporate is the buckles on the hem that allow the coat flaps to be fastened about the legs to prevent it flapping open as one drives along. However, in all examples I have seen, no-one selling one has actually provided any details on their use or even a picture of one fastened.
If anyone has some idea of how the thing functions, that would be smashing, or even better a picture!

 

[barnabus]

I can't be of much help, but I fully endorse this enterprise.

I utterly love these 40s despatch rider trench coats and I would wear one in an instant if I had the confidence or the bike for it. Sadly inappropriate for use on my KTM I think.

Anyway. All I can suggest is (what you've probably already exhaustively done) to study photos of original examples to see the fastening strap arrangement, like this one for sale;

https://www.militariazone.com/ww2-j...itish-army-dispatch-rider-s-coat---8/itm62061

And see if that gives any clues.

 

[DR_ Reeves]

I can't be of much help, but I fully endorse this enterprise.

I utterly love these 40s despatch rider trench coats and I would wear one in an instant if I had the confidence or the bike for it. Sadly inappropriate for use on my KTM I think.

Anyway. All I can suggest is (what you've probably already exhaustively done) to study photos of original examples to see the fastening strap arrangement, like this one for sale;

https://www.militariazone.com/ww2-j...itish-army-dispatch-rider-s-coat---8/itm62061

And see if that gives any clues.

Well thanks anyways for your help, indeed, though I am yet to take my motorcycling test, I have a 1938 BSA C10 eagerly awaiting a pass, so that I can swagger about in style at a blistering... 30mph.

However, after doing some ruminating with father dearest, I believe we have hit upon the answer. It was an odd feature common to motoring coats Pre-War called a "Tummi-Pad". Basically, it was just a flap of cloth that would fold up about the riders crotch and waist, so as to prevent him soiling his trouser seat on the bike. There are buttons to fold the coat about the legs to further this end.

I'm having mine made in a 16oz bull-denim so hopefully it should be a fair bit safer to ride than just bare cotton, but I'll be doubtless to encourage the inclusion of a "Tummi-Pad" on my own, even if it does look slightly like a nappy.

 

[Tim S]

Much of the motorcycle clothing from that era was adapted from equestrian clothing. You can still get a modern duster with leg straps. The modern examples may be good analogs.

 

[Edward]

Can't directly help, but do keep us up to date with your progress. I'd love one of these coats to wear as a trench coat. Surviving originals are way too small, while repros are either beyond what I can afford, or their size ranged tops out at one to two sizes below what I need. There surely has to be a market for these if someone could do one around the same price and quality as, say, the WPG trench coats.

 

[DR_ Reeves]

Can't directly help, but do keep us up to date with your progress. I'd love one of these coats to wear as a trench coat. Surviving originals are way too small, while repros are either beyond what I can afford, or their size ranged tops out at one to two sizes below what I need. There surely has to be a market for these if someone could do one around the same price and quality as, say, the WPG trench coats.

I’ll be all too happy to oblige! The one I’m having made is hopefully going to be a lot safer than riding an original that’s for sure!

The tailor making it is a little french tailor I found on instagram, very friendly would recommend if you want something really niche made up for you, although it is going to set me back close to £1000. However, since to lower the cost, one can fund the material over the production span, and pay in halves, it’s not going to be too big of a problem I shouldn’t think (touch wood), and hopefully should make a nice birthday present for when I can actually insure and ride the bike! I’m also going to look into having a pair of Bull-Denim Jodphurs made up just to complete the look!