Code: 55082
A fantastic original Canadian made black leather motorcycle which dates from the late 1930s and is in stunning condition.
This jacket is a very early example of what has become one of the most iconic jackets of the 20th Century - The biker jacket. Short, zip front, blouson style jackets began to be produced in small numbers as early as the 1920s but were not common and almost exclusively only worn by the upper classes. By the late 1930s they were becoming more popular and a slightly more common sight with some of the more affluent members of the middle classes wearing such a style. Whilst the biker style and the black leather jacket became increasingly popular throughout the 1950s, in the previous decades jackets such as this were pretty seldom seen which makes this a rare jacket to find today.
This jacket is a true motorcycle jacket and was clearly designed as such. It is made from a thick, heavy horsehide leather which would have been chosen to give as much protection on the road as possible. The front of the jacket fastens with a high quality locking 'Lightning' branded zipper which bears the maker's name to the puller. The stop box bears the letters 'LF' which stands for Lightning Fastens and the rear of the slider features the 1927 patent number and the word 'Canada'. The jacket features two large integral D-shaped pockets to the front which are a truly classic piece of design. There is also a flapped chest pocket which is set at a very pleasing acute angle and fastens with a press stud. The collar is a stand and fall design which is large and a fantastic shape which is typical of the period. There is a tab below this which can be fastened around the wearer's neck using a press stud. Large leather straps are fitted to the end of each cuff and can be adjusted with single prong metal buckles. Almost identical straps are located to each hip which allow the waist to be adjusted.
Inside the body of the jacket is lined with a navy blue coloured wool material. The sleeves are lined with a very soft, fawn coloured wool and have a hidden knitted storm cuff inside the sleeve at the wrist as is illustrated in picture 23. The original label is present to the interior and whilst worn is still legible. It features typical late 1930s - early 1940s graphics depicting a rider on a horse riding through a large horseshoe. The maker's name of 'Sportsway' is also present along with the tagline 'Leader in style and quality'.
The jacket will fit a 40" chest well and possibly larger depending on desired fit. When laid flat it measures -
Chest - 23"
Inside arm - 18"
Outside arm - 25 1/2"
Shoulders - 18 1/2"
Length - 25 1/2"
The jacket is in incredible condition considering its age. The leather is good throughout and is soft and pliable with no areas of damage or undue wear. It is without a doubt one of the finest condition leather jackets from this period that I have ever handled. There is some tarnishing to the metal buckles and there is a small rip to the lining which could be repaired (picture 18) but aside from that the jacket is totally wearable and displays extremely well.
A very early motorcycle jacket with some fantastic details which is in incredible condition. Biker jackets from this period are rare to find, let alone in such good condition!
