This Luftwaffe leather flight jacket is named for and patterned after the leather flight jacket worn by Luftwaffe Major Erich Hartmann.  Hartmann  was credited with 352 confirmed aerial victories during his service with the Luftwaffe in WWII, making him the highest-scoring ace of all time and setting a record that is very unlikely to ever be broken. Known as the “Blonde Knight of Germany,” his ability at aerial combat was astounding. Most of Major Hartmann’s combat took place on the Eastern Front with the famed fighter squadron JG52. Collecting many awards for his skill and bravery as a fighter pilot, he was eventually awarded with the highest decoration for bravery and combat in the German armed forces - The Knights Cross with oak leaves, swords and diamonds.

Throughout his service with the Luftwaffe, Major Hartmann can often be seen in archival images wearing his short leather flight jacket, which he very likely acquired during the early part of the war when he was posted in France. Many Luftwaffe fighter pilots had this style of leather flight jacket which was originally commercially purchased (not issued) at ordinary clothing and motorcycling shops in France. In fact, they were actually referred to as “Cyclists Jackets” by the Luftwaffe pilots. Made of a fairly lightweight and close-cut construction, they appealed to the German fighter pilots both for their smart looks and their applicable use in the cramped cockpits of aircraft such as the Me109.

Archival photos and extant jacket examples illustrate that, although following a very similar design to each other, these flight jackets all differ slightly from one another in terms of pocket profiles, positioning of pockets, different fabrics for the lining, etc. This occurred, most probably, due to the fact they were produced by many different manufacturers and for many different pilots’ tastes. The outer shell leather can be found in black, gray and brown, but in most of the Luftwaffe archive photos it's impossible to tell which shade was favored most as the images are generally in black and white. We have had several original examples at the factory whilst studying this design and this has lead us to believe that both shades were equally common. Most people believed them always to be black, but this is largely due to the archive images being in black and white; obviously, brown would easily appear to be black in old black-and-white photos.

Our reproduction of this leather flight jacket style is as accurate to the original as is feasible to be. We have even had the correct, unusual-looking little front buckle reproduced to ensure the utmost authenticity. Available in a choice of black or brown Nappa leather, this hide will leave you absolutely drooling with pleasure the moment you put it on. The top texture is butter soft, yet the hand is firm and very pliable with some stretchability; while its snug cut best is suited for trimmer builds, the supple nature of the Nappa will help this jacket mold to your shape effortlessly.

Other details include a lining of 100% wool in a plaid print in the body and 100% cotton in the sleeves. Buttons on the pockets and cuffs are real horn, and zips are by original German manufacturer, Riri, with the correct lighter brown taping as is always seen on these jackets regardless if the leather is black or brown. Since these were commercial jackets, no military maker label can be deemed as correct, so we have made our own that bears the name “Hartmann” and the insignia of his squadron - JG52. Without question, no other manufacturer has been able to reproduce this style with such authenticity; we're certain you'll agree.

Please note - this style is cut and designed just like the originals, which is very close and “nippy” (it's supposed to be this way), so some may prefer to go for a larger size than they would normally wear because of this. However, this flight jacket looks much more stylish if it is worn as Hartmann did his - close and snug.  

Sizes available: 36-48 regular. Long and extra-long fittings available at no additional cost on special order only.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.  

Imported from England  

The Luftwaffe (German Air Force) ruled the skies after the outbreak of WWII in September 1939. During that time, many of their fighter pilots became some of the highest scoring aces in history. The egos of these dashing pilots and close quarters inside the cockpits of their Messerschmitt 109s spawned the need for a practical and stylish flight jacket. Since no issue flight jacket existed other than cumbersome flying suits, beginning in May 1940 these pilots were authorized to privately purchase their own waist-length leather flight jackets as long as they conformed to a basic design; accordingly, these flight jackets are the most unique of any in WWII since the features of design were as varied as the individual.

For the first time since WWII, this fine style has been copied in a typical form. Our Luftwaffe leather flight jacket example features: premium, 3-ounce weight vegetable-tanned horsehide in your choice of black or brown; warm, all-cotton moleskin lining in Luftwaffe blue; two zippered breast pockets; two slash lower pockets; deep, zippered pistol pocket inside; snap-down throat clasp, belt clasp and cuffs; belted side adjusters; zippered forearm openings, authentic label in German text and more... This tasteful and stylish design is extremely versatile. Made to our usual exacting standards, this flight jacket will serve you as faithfully as the German pilots did the Luftwaffe; whether flying, motorcycling, or just everyday casual wear, this tasteful design is a versatile garment whatever the occasion.

Sizes available: 36-48 regular. Long and extra-long fittings available at no additional cost on custom order only.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.  

Imported from England  

Last ONE left priced for clearance liquidation to make room for new items.  This is new, unworn, and complete with factory warranty.  Clearance pricing applies ONLY to sizes and colors in stock at our New Jersey facility:  $850.00 off regular retail price of $2, 100!!!  No refunds will be given on clearance items, but returns are allowed for exchange credit toward any items and/or services we offer with no expiration date on credit.

The first major conflict involving aircraft was the First World War, where the military pilot gained his glamorous image. Depicted as chivalric knights of the sky, fame was to be their destiny, perhaps none so much as Imperial Germany’s infamous Baron von Richthofen (Red Baron). The nature of open-cockpit flying demanded leather coats be worn over the uniform, most of which were three-quarter length and double-breasted. These coats were commercially obtained, thus all were slightly different in design and features. Our coat typifies the basic design, made of premium, aniline-dyed, vegetable-tanned, supple horsehide in black. Features include: interior and lower pockets lined in warm, all-cotton moleskin in Imperial Air Force blue; real horn buttons; detachable belt with stitched, leather-covered buckle; functional cuff and collar straps; double-pleated back with yoke and a hidden interior pocket.

Fit for an Ace, this flying coat absolutely exudes quality! Its classic and thoughtful design combines sophistication with utility that it is perfectly at home in everyday walks of modern life - a garment of truly exceptional quality!  

Sizes available: 36-48 regular only.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.  

Imported from England