We are continuing our leather jackets blogging marathon with a very important, collectible type: A-2. The A-2 is the quintessential bomber jacket. It was Army Air Corps regulation flight jacket in 1931 as an update from its predecessors and went on to become the legendary leather jacket that today is mostly associated with American heroes in World War II. Today modern A-2, genuine issue jackets are permitted for aircrew personnel who have completed their mission qualifications. In civilian life the A-2 silhouette and styling have become popular with motorcyclists by the 50′s. Vintage A-2 are prized for their relative rarity, horse or steer leather (compared to goatskin on modern issues) and slimmer fit.

This particular piece in the Rising Sun Archive is made of horsehide tanned to a nice russet color. According to government specifications the back panel is a single piece of leather, the front is two, and the sleeves are two pieces each. The patch pocket with flaps each have snaps. The original knit cuffs and waist are also to government specs. The lining is an olive drab poplin.

An Acme Thunderer whistle is attached to the jacket via a hook and eye closure. If the wearer were to become stranded in dangerous terrain the whistle would help the search and rescue team locate him.  How do we know it was a him? “Harold W. Lindt” is written on the inside.

All in all a fantastic piece full of research and inspiration value.

This beauty here is what many motorcycle jackets aspire to be. Pony horsehide. Late 40′s / early 50′s. Worn in to a beautiful stingray tone. Maker: Los Angeles Sportstogs “Sportswear from California.” This is the real deal.

Besides the beautiful leather and romantic nostalgia it invokes the jacket is also interesting because it was likely a highway patrolman / motorcycle patrolman jacket. The dark football shape you see on the left chest is a result of something having been there for ages, protecting the leather from fading like the rest of the jacket. It was probably another piece of leather that had eyelets for securing a police badge.

Other details include original Talon #8 zipper with stirrup puller. The chunky teeth on the zipper are beautifully aged and still very sturdy. From our experience one must look far and wide to source such quality trims and hardware these days. Likewise the heavy, black sateen lining is also fantastic and in great shape considering what the piece must have been through.

Here is a late 20′s / early 30′s sportsman jacket with its steerhide still in superb condition. There is a hint of early flight jacket influence in the styling as aviation “fashion” played a role in cycling and motoring cultures. It comes with original Amazon rain forest nut buttons and the button holes are double welted. Pocket flaps utilize snaps for easy access and closure during riding. A cotton twill lines the jacket including the sleeves and does not limit arm movement because it is a light weight lining.

One of our favorite parts of the jacket is the deep arc shaped yoke on the back of the jacket. Does it remind you of a certain San Francisco brand? In fact the pocket flaps take on arc shapes too. The nice panel work and pleats in the back are also very interesting. This is another piece we proudly own.

The label shows “Herford Jacket” and there is a debate here as to whether this was of English origin. We will post updates if we find any additional details.

This early 30′s, label-less leather jacket is another piece we are often inspired by in the Rising Sun Archive. Its patina, achieved through much wear in all kinds of weather, gives it a rough out leather look. When the original owner first got this it was likely a much smoother tanned leather. The corduroy lining stops at the arm holes for maximum mobility of the arms. Gussets are also present for the same purpose. The cuff facing is then again lined with corduroy.

Other details include rain forrest nut buttons, Kwik zipper, stunning pocket shapes, and the round collar. We also love the front and back band designs. The pattern creates a slight flare on the side panels, which have adjusters stitched in for the desired fit.

Another great piece. We hope you like it!

Digging around the Rising Sun Archive we noticed that we were knee deep in thick skin. We’re talking about vintage leather jackets, of course. Collectible leather is another one of Mike Hodis’s passions that have turned into an obsession. While the line we produce does not currently have any leather products we thought it would still be fun to share some of the great pieces in the archive.

First up is a 40′s horsehide jacket from House of Quality. As the label indicates it is made from front quarter horsehide leather. The label itself is a black woven edge label made on specialized shuttle looms. As the bandless jacket is made specifically with motorcycle riding in mind the brushed flannel lining provides a bit of warmth to the wearer. The collars are lined with a honey colored suede. The original owner obviously loved this jacket and gave it much wear to create the fantastic honeycombs pattern fading on the arms. The cuffs, while simple in design, are beautifully shaped.

The front pockets are single welted while the zipper pocket is double welted and runs diagonal on the chest for easy access. The “Vogue” branded zipper with a round pull certainly helped keep valuable knickknacks (like smokes) secure.

By looking at the front one may not expect how slim the back looks. The sun ray pleats in the back are responsible for the shape that even by today’s standards would be considered a modern fit with a gentle flare. All in all a great vintage leather jacket.

If you are going to the Rose Bowl Flea Market next month be sure to look up Matsu, a master leather craftsman. He is a highly skilled leather carving artist. Our good friend shows off his wallets, studed belts, and bags at the Rose Bowl so be sure to check it out.