Show us your oldest leather jacket

[Gamma68]

I find vintage clothing fascinating, and I'm just getting started on leather jackets (six since joining this forum last November).

So many of you have such wonderful assortments of all kinds of jackets, I thought it would be fun if we posted photos of the oldest jacket in our collections. And if there's an interesting story behind the acquisition of the jacket, or if you happen to know the actual history of the jacket, please share.

I'll start, but I'm certain there are many others far older than my 1968 Martin Lane G-1. It's my first quality leather jacket purchase and fits wonderfully. I know nothing about its history, and seller didn't respond to my general questions about it. Bought on eBay, restored with Pecard's and worn often this past fall/winter:

So what's the oldest jacket in your collection?

 

[Monitor]

Probably this 60's Cal. Not too old but...

 

[El Marro]

Great idea for a thread! My oldest jacket is also a G-1.

It's an L.W. Foster from the late 1950's. I Found it on eBay last month and aside from a couple holes and stains in the liner it is unbelievable condition.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

This is my RMC red silk A2. I believe it was made in 2014

 

[El Marro]

This is my RMC red silk A2. I believe it was made in 2014

Dude,
That is such a beautiful A-2! I find that I am one, if not two, sizes too big for any of the jackets from the premier Japanese makers. This totally bums me out because some of the coolest jackets out there are from Japan.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Dude,
That is such a beautiful A-2! I find that I am one, if not two, sizes too big for any of the jackets from the premier Japanese makers. This totally bums me out because some of the coolest jackets out there are from Japan.

Thanks!
That's unfortunate and it's definitely a complaint that I have seen many times. This is the benefit to being short. Japanese clothing often fits me perfectly and in most cases, it fits me better than US made clothing.

 

[BobJ]

Probably this 60's Cal. Not too old but...

Is that the one that has the light, easy-to-wear leather? Do you find that you wear it a lot, or do you really prefer the heavier leathers?

 

[navetsea]

Probably this 60's Cal. Not too old but...

I like what happened around the cuffs, and along the hem on that.

 

[tmitchell59]

this Jacket is probably from the 1920s. I just don't see jackets this old. Most are very small sized and fragile. this one needs the sleeve re-attached. The leather is very nice for the age. I saw one very similar, but more solid and bigger. It was on etsy for over a grand. It sold quickly. It was the nicest one I have seen in this style and vintage. Stanhouse of Rockford, Illinois is known for this style. I live a couple of hours from Rockford. I don't recall where I got this jacket.

 

[Jägernaut]

Somewhere between 40's and 50's?

 

[Mysteryo]

Good idea for a thread! So many nice jackets we'll see!
According to the zipper, my Sportclad half belt is from the 40's...

 

[Monitor]

Is that the one that has the light, easy-to-wear leather? Do you find that you wear it a lot, or do you really prefer the heavier leathers?

Not really. It's quite a heavy jacket. I wear it quite a lot, it's always in a rotation. It's a long jacket. 30".

 

[dan_t]

Well, my 25 year old Connolly Steerhide highwayman is the closest thing I have to a 'vintage', but next to your stunning examples it seems like a pimply faced teenager.

Here's some shots anyway....

 

[ton312]

Not the oldest I've ever owned but this one is currently my oldest. 1969 Bates:

 

[handymike]

My oldest is German, 1930s

 

[Grayland]

this Jacket is probably from the 1920s. I just don't see jackets this old. Most are very small sized and fragile. this one needs the sleeve re-attached. The leather is very nice for the age. I saw one very similar, but more solid and bigger. It was on etsy for over a grand. It sold quickly. It was the nicest one I have seen in this style and vintage. Stanhouse of Rockford, Illinois is known for this style. I live a couple of hours from Rockford. I don't recall where I got this jacket.

Reminds me quite a bit of the Himel Canuck. Love it.

 

[Gamma68]

My oldest is German, 1930s

Lots of awesome jackets posted so far. Keep 'em coming!

The one above really speaks to me. What is this style of jacket called? I'd like to keep my eyes open for one.

Is anyone here into 1930s-1940s leather trench coats?

 

[handymike]

I believe they are called "Kutscherjacken" or Barnstormer jackets. Mine is 27" down the back, so not as long as some "car-coats" which come in around 29-30". Most of these styles have a belt.

 

[Gamma68]

I believe they are called "Kutscherjacken" or Barnstormer jackets. Mine is 27" down the back, so not as long as some "car-coats" which come in around 29-30". Most of these styles have a belt.

Thanks! Do they show up on eBay with any regularity? Maybe on eBay.de?

 

[Seb Lucas]

Many fans of Dr Who bought up these jackets a few years back when it was part of the Doctor's costume.