Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”

Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”

£395.00 GBP

"This is a used vintage garment and may show signs of wear. Please refer to the individual item description and review the photos carefully."

Offered here is an original 1960s American "Perfecto" style biker jacket. During this era, many high-quality leather garments were produced by major manufacturers (such as Schott, Buco, or smaller regional factories) on a "private label" or "jobber" basis. These jackets were sold to department stores, military exchanges, and independent menswear shops, often bearing only a generic "Genuine Leather" tag while the retailer's paper hang-tag was discarded by the buyer. The presence of such high-specification construction on an unbranded piece indicates it was built by a professional industrial factory, likely as a "store brand" alternative to the more expensive name-brand equivalents, offering working-class riders the same protective utility at a competitive price point.

The jacket is constructed from midweight American brown steerhide with a heavy patina. Steerhide, sourced from mature male cattle, was the preferred material for protective motorcycling gear in the mid-20th century due to its dense fiber structure and high abrasion resistance. Unlike modern chrome-tanned leathers which often hold a uniform color, 1960s American steerhide was frequently tanned using vegetable or combination processes that allowed the leather to age dramatically. The "patina" seen here, where the topcoat wears away to reveal lighter brown undertones or high-points shine from friction is a hallmark of this traditional tanning method. This hide offers the benefit of "road armor" while remaining pliable enough for daily use.

The design features the classic asymmetrical "Perfecto" configuration, a style that became the definitive symbol of American counterculture following its adoption by Hollywood icons and the rock 'n' roll subculture. It includes a slanted zippered map pocket at the chest, a design originally intended to allow riders to access maps without unzipping the jacket fully. At the waist, there are two zippered handwarmer pockets and a small snap-closed coin pocket.

Technical features include a "bi-swing" action back with gussets behind the shoulders, a critical functional detail that allows for extended horizontal arm reach to motorcycle handlebars without the jacket binding at the torso. The fit is secured by zippered cuffs and a belted hem. The hardware consists of Serval zippers throughout. Serval was a prominent New York-based fastener company that supplied heavy-duty zippers for US military flight jackets and field gear during WWII and the Korean War. Their presence on a civilian jacket is a mark of industrial-grade reliability. The interior is lined with a silky synthetic material, consistent with the nylon and rayon linings utilized by major manufacturers like Schott during the 1960s for their durability and ease of wear over flannel shirts.

Condition

The leather shows extensive wear, including scuffing and general storage marks, with most of the wear concentrated along the tops of the arms and across the shoulders on the back. This gives the jacket a strong, well developed patina. Despite its appearance, the leather itself remains sound and healthy, as the wear is limited to the surface and does not compromise the structure.

There is a small hole in the collar which is not noticeable when worn, though it has been reflected in the price.

All of the zippers function flawlessly, and the liner is in great shape, with only a few minor repairs.

Restoration

The exterior leather has been professionally cleaned and conditioned using our tailored leather care process. The inner liner has been carefully hand cleaned and steamed, along with all internal and external pockets. The metal hardware, including snaps, zippers and buttons, has been cleaned and polished to a shine. This piece is fully wearable and requires no further maintenance.

Measurements / Sizing

Recommended Size: L

Tagged Size: N/A

  • Chest (Pit to Pit): 25” / 63.5cm
  • Shoulder (Seam to Seam): 21.5” / 54.5cm
  • Arm Length (Shoulder to Cuff): 26” / 66cm
  • Arm Length (Pit to Cuff): 18” / 46cm
  • Length (Nape to Hem): 23.5” / 59.5cm

All measurements taken in Inches and Centimetres.

Notes:

Fits a slim large. (91)
Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
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  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”
  • Vintage 1960s American Brown Steerhide Distressed Biker Rider Leather Jacket “L”

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