Original 1930s French Leather Cyclist Jacket

Code: 10410

This jacket is without a doubt one of the most iconic jackets of the 20th Century and its not hard to see why. Produced in France during the late 1930s and early 1940s, these zip front leather jackets saw use with the French Army at the beginning of the Second World War, the French Resistance and Maquis in 1944/45 and by Luftwaffe pilots stationed in Northern France after the fall of France in 1940.

This type of jacket is often referred to as ‘Hartmann’ by collectors as this style was worn by the famous German fighter ace during WW2. It is made from a deep brown, almost black leather and features a brass Eclair main zip as are often found on this type of jacket. Two angled zippers are located on either side of the breast whilst button pockets are found towards the bottom and secured ‘football’ style buttons. Another ‘football’ button is used to close a leather tab over the bottom of the main zip.

The interior is lined with a light coloured thick blanket material and features a black interior patch pocket which may have been added after it come out of the factory. The sleeves are also lined.

The jacket is a small size and will fit around a 34-36” chest. When laid flat it measures -

Chest - 20”
Waist - 18”
Inside arm - 16 3/4”
Outside arm - 22 1/2”
Shoulders - 16”
Length - 24”

The jacket is in good condition for a leather jacket of this age. The leather is still soft an pliable and generally speaking it displays very well. It does have a couple of issues however. The rear seam of the right sleeve has lost some of its stitching and could use with being repaired. As well as this the main zipper has frayed at the bottom as detailed in the photographs. It is still usable but if the jacket was intended to be worn it may be worth replacing it for an original period zipper.

Overall a good example of this scarce and sought-after leather jacket which would make an excellent addition to any collection.