"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 single rider motorcycle jacket of British origin. This decade was a transformative era for British leatherwear as the "Ton-Up Boys" and the Rocker subculture dominated the roads. The popularity of this style exploded due to the rise of the Ace Cafe culture and the demand for streamlined gear that could withstand high speed "burns" on the newly constructed British motorways. During this time, the UK saw a literal "British Invasion" of leather goods on the global stage. Brands like Lewis Leathers, Belstaff, and Mascot became international benchmarks for quality. These manufacturers were not just making fashion items; they were producing survival equipment for a new generation of high speed enthusiasts.
The jacket is constructed from a heavy British black pigmented steerhide. British leathers from this era differed significantly from their American or European counterparts. Because the UK industry was centered almost entirely around professional racing and "cafe racing" gear, the hides were heavily treated with pigments and waterproofing agents. This specific steerhide was engineered to survive the persistent dampness and road salt of the British climate. The pigmented finish acted as a protective barrier, making the garment incredibly low maintenance. Road grime and rain could simply be wiped off with a damp cloth without the leather absorbing moisture or rotting.
The technical design features a classic single rider silhouette with two slanted cargo pockets at the chest. These are fitted with original ball and chain zippers. This specific style of fastener was widely used in British gear at the time because the hanging, weighted pull was exceptionally easy to grip while wearing thick leather gauntlets. They were a staple of professional racing gear produced by prestigious brands like Belstaff, as they allowed a rider to adjust their pockets at speed without fumbling. At the waist are two open handwarmer pockets.
The rear of the jacket is particularly high spec. It features an action back, or bi-swing back, that allows for a full range of arm movement when reaching for low slung clip-on handlebars. Notably, the rear is constructed from a single piece panel back. This is a mark of extreme quality that is relatively rare on British jackets of this period, as many manufacturers used multiple smaller panels to save on material costs. A single piece back requires a massive, flawless section of steerhide, ensuring fewer seams that could potentially fail during a slide. At the back hem, two small silver buckles allow the wearer to taper the jacket against the torso to prevent wind lifting at speed.
The interior is lined with a beautiful, soft, and silky synthetic satin material. Given the specific pattern and texture, this was likely a professional replacement installed during the late 1960s or early 1970s, potentially by the original owner.
Condition
The leather is in healthy condition, showing only minor scuffs and light edgewear, most notably at the bend of the arms and some light chapping at the collar. This gives the jacket a worn patina, but none of it goes beyond the surface or affects the integrity of the leather.
All zippers and buckles are in perfect working order. The main zipper is a fine-toothed autolock design, specifically designed so you can wear it partially unzipped without the slider slipping down. Because of this secure system, any curve in the track (common near the collar) will engage the lock. Simply straighten the zipper tape to release the lock for a smooth unzip. The buckles show slight cosmetic tarnish but function perfectly.
The liner and pocket bags are pristine. They were clearly replaced by a previous owner, and the jacket does not appear to have seen much wear since, so it benefits from a fresh reline.
Restoration
The exterior leather has been 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: S
Tagged Size: N/A
- Chest (Pit to Pit): 21.5” / 54.5cm
- Shoulder (Seam to Seam): 17.5” / 44.5cm
- Arm Length (Shoulder to Cuff): 23.5” / 60cm
- Arm Length (Pit to Cuff): 16” / 40.5”
- Length (Nape to Hem): 23.5” / 59.5cm
All measurements taken in Inches and Centimetres.
Notes:
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