This style borrows features found on the famous Buco J-21 and J-24 motorcycle jackets, both of which were classics of early 1950's motorcycling in the USA. The design features zippered sleeves, numerous pockets, including the famous "D" pocket, and leather belt loops for adding an optional belt, all carefully incorporated in a tailored design that fits closely to the body.

Lovingly crafted by leather artisans on the bench one jacket at time, with each panel cut by hand versus stack cutting by machinery, the ELMC Roadstar leather motorcycle jacket is a throwback to an era where quality was king.

Adding to the vintage aesthetic and comfort found in this style is a hand-applied light treatment of vintage patina – just enough so that the leather looks slightly broken-in for both a rugged look and lived-in comfort.

This is not a leather jacket to be found in malls or department stores – it’s a leather jacket of extreme distinction to last a lifetime and beyond. And with factory repair services available for the parts subject to normal wear such as linings, zippers, buttons, etc., your investment in both history and style can be refurbished to original spec. – there’s nothing disposable about an ELMC leather jacket!

Each example is also outfitted with all the vintage detailing one could hope for, which includes:

• Premium, imported Italian horsehide conforming to 2.5 ounces in weight, fully vegetable tanned and aniline dyed, with a full grain of rivulets and valleys that yields all the character typically associated with old-school, vintage leather jackets

• All-wool body lining in a muted plaid

• All-cotton silesia lining the sleeves

• Hard-wearing, all-cotton drill cloth used in pocket lings

• Vintage-style, matte-finish, nickel-plated metal zippers on pockets, sleeves and front closure

• Black oxide snaps

• Three zippered pockets, plus a snap-down coin pocket

• Bi-swing action back for greater range of movement

• Snap-down epaulets

• Snap-down belt loops for optional belt (sold separately on this website)

• Vintage-style union label in pocket

• Vintage-style labels in lining woven on vintage shuttle looms

Sizes available: 36-46 regular.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from England

This style borrows features found on the famous Buco J-21 and J-24 motorcycle jackets, both of which were classics of early 1950's motorcycling in the USA. The design features zippered sleeves, numerous pockets, including the famous "D" pocket, and leather belt loops for adding an optional belt, all carefully incorporated in a tailored design that fits closely to the body.

Lovingly crafted by leather artisans on the bench one jacket at time, with each panel cut by hand versus stack cutting by machinery, the ELMC Roadstar leather motorcycle jacket is a throwback to an era where quality was king.

Adding to the vintage aesthetic and comfort found in this style is a hand-applied light treatment of vintage patina – just enough so that the leather looks slightly broken-in for both a rugged look and lived-in comfort.

This is not a leather jacket to be found in malls or department stores – it’s a leather jacket of extreme distinction to last a lifetime and beyond. And with factory repair services available for the parts subject to normal wear such as linings, zippers, buttons, etc., your investment in both history and style can be refurbished to original spec. – there’s nothing disposable about an ELMC leather jacket!

Each example is also outfitted with all the vintage detailing one could hope for, which includes:

• Premium, imported Italian horsehide conforming to 2.5 ounces in weight, fully vegetable tanned and aniline dyed, with a full grain of rivulets and valleys that yields all the character typically associated with old-school, vintage leather jackets

• All-wool body lining in a muted plaid

• All-cotton silesia lining the sleeves

• Hard-wearing, all-cotton drill cloth used in pocket lings

• Vintage-style, matte-finish, nickel-plated metal zippers on pockets, sleeves and front closure

• Matte-finish snaps

• Three zippered pockets, plus a snap-down coin pocket

• Bi-swing action back for greater range of movement

• Snap-down epaulets

• Snap-down belt loops for optional belt (sold separately on this website)

• Vintage-style union label in pocket

• Vintage-style labels in lining woven on vintage shuttle looms

Sizes available: 36-46 regular.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from England

Last FEW left priced for clearance liquidation to make room for new items.  All are new, unworn, and complete with factory warranty.  Clearance pricing applies ONLY to sizes and colors in stock at our New Jersey facility:  $880.00 off regular retail price of $1, 775.00!!!  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.

This style is a direct copy of a vintage 1940s leather motorcycle jacket originally produced by one of America’s 20^th century greats – Montgomery Ward. The design exudes quality from every seam, and its rugged, durable, medium weight and sleek tailoring will make this your loyal companion on or off the road.

Lovingly crafted by leather artisans on the bench one jacket at time, with each panel cut by hand versus stack cutting by machinery, the ELMC Windward leather motorcycle jacket is a throwback to an era where quality was king. Adding to the vintage aesthetic and comfort found in this style is a hand-applied light treatment of vintage patina – just enough so that the leather looks slightly broken-in for both a rugged look and lived-in comfort.

This is not a leather jacket to be found in malls or department stores – it’s a leather jacket of extreme distinction to last a lifetime and beyond. And with factory repair services available for the parts subject to normal wear such as linings, zippers, buttons, etc., your investment in both history and style can be refurbished to original spec. – there’s nothing disposable about an ELMC leather jacket! Each example is also outfitted with all the vintage detailing one could hope for, which includes:  

• American top-stitched seams to the side-panels and inside facings exactly as per the original. This style of seaming (often faked by just two rows of normal flat-bed sewing) requires a special machine (a vintage 1940s Union Special, in this case), which covers from underneath, allowing the seam to be folded out flush, but keeping strength, thus giving the garment a very tidy and smooth finish.

• The outline pocket is piped inside with leather, not cloth cord, which is sewn, in turn, with an American top-stitch to hold securely. The quilted lining (which runs through body and sleeves) is 100% rayon-satin backed with a 3mm all-wool filling (not polyester or other synthetic hollow filling), which allows the lining to breathe, thus giving a true glowing warmth and not a trapped hot one (this style is ideal for temperatures down to the lower 40s Fahrenheit).

• Premium, imported Italian horsehide conforming to 3 ounces in weight, fully vegetable tanned and aniline dyed, with a full grain of rivulets and valleys that yields all the character typically associated with old-school, vintage leather jackets

• Fully lined with wool-quilted, 100% rayon satin for warmth and easy sliding on and off

• Cossack-style frontal closure

• Gusseted armpits for greater range of motion

• Hard-wearing, all-cotton drill cloth used in pocket lings

• Vintage-style, matte-finish, nickel-plated metal zippers on pocket and center front

• Two hand-warmer pockets, one slanted breast pocket, and hidden zippered pocket under flap

• Half-belt on back with elasticated sides provides for a reasonably snug fit to keep out chilling winds

• American top-stitched seams

• Vintage-style union label in pocket

• Vintage-style labels in lining woven on vintage shuttle looms

Sizes available: 36-46 regular. 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

This style is a direct copy of a vintage 1940s leather motorcycle jacket originally produced by one of America’s 20^th century greats – Montgomery Ward. The design exudes quality from every seam, and its rugged, durable, medium weight and sleek tailoring will make this your loyal companion on or off the road. Lovingly crafted by leather artisans on the bench one jacket at time, with each panel cut by hand versus stack cutting by machinery, the ELMC Windward leather motorcycle jacket is a throwback to an era where quality was king. Adding to the vintage aesthetic and comfort found in this style is a hand-applied light treatment of vintage patina – just enough so that the leather looks slightly broken-in for both a rugged look and lived-in comfort. This is not a leather jacket to be found in malls or department stores – it’s a leather jacket of extreme distinction to last a lifetime and beyond. And with factory repair services available for the parts subject to normal wear such as linings, zippers, buttons, etc., your investment in both history and style can be refurbished to original spec. – there’s nothing disposable about an ELMC leather jacket! Each example is also outfitted with all the vintage detailing one could hope for, which includes:  

• American top-stitched seams to the side-panels and inside facings exactly as per the original. This style of seaming (often faked by just two rows of normal flat-bed sewing) requires a special machine (a vintage 1940s Union Special, in this case), which covers from underneath, allowing the seam to be folded out flush, but keeping strength, thus giving the garment a very tidy and smooth finish.

• The outline pocket is piped inside with leather, not cloth cord, which is sewn, in turn, with an American top-stitch to hold securely. The quilted lining (which runs through body and sleeves) is 100% rayon-satin backed with a 3mm all-wool filling (not polyester or other synthetic hollow filling), which allows the lining to breathe, thus giving a true glowing warmth and not a trapped hot one (this style is ideal for temperatures down to the lower 40s Fahrenheit).

• Premium, imported Italian horsehide conforming to 3 ounces in weight, fully vegetable tanned and aniline dyed, with a full grain of rivulets and valleys that yields all the character typically associated with old-school, vintage leather jackets

• Fully lined with wool-quilted, 100% rayon satin for warmth and easy sliding on and off

• Cossack-style frontal closure

• Gusseted armpits for greater range of motion

• Hard-wearing, all-cotton drill cloth used in pocket lings

• Vintage-style, matte-finish, nickel-plated metal zippers on pocket and center front

• Two hand-warmer pockets, one slanted breast pocket, and hidden zippered pocket under flap

• Half-belt on back with elasticated sides provides for a reasonably snug fit to keep out chilling winds

• American top-stitched seams

• Vintage-style union label in pocket

• Vintage-style labels in lining woven on vintage shuttle looms

Sizes available: 36-46 regular. 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

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  

This flight jacket is rooted in pre-WWII Hollywood.  Thunderbird Field was a creation of Hollywood producer Leland Hayward, along with investors James Stewart, Cary Grant, Henry Fonda, Robert Taylor and Margaret Sullivan. Thoughtfully laid out, the airfield could be seen as an etching of the mythical Anasazi Thunderbird from the air. The control tower formed the head of the bird, the administration buildings and barracks its body, the hangers its wings, and the gardens its feathered tail.

In 1941 the field became part of the United States Army Air Force's training establishment and contract-based primary flight training base for Allied pilots of various nations throughout the war.

The Thunderbird Field Instructor's Flight Jacket is based upon traditional flight jacket and garment designs of the period, being strikingly similar to the USAC A-1 Flying Jacket of the 1920s. Made from 100% wool serge dyed in navy blue for the body, dark brown WarHorse® leather for the sleeves, and rayon-satin for the lining, this light-weight, easy-to-wear jacket has both classic vintage style and practical versatility: Worn in the autumn over just a T-shirt, or in the winter over a sweater - it fits the bill. The slick, high-quality rayon lining means it slips on and off easily, and the all-wool knit trim to collar, cuffs and waist keep the wind gusts out.

Stitched to the left upper left shoulder is an absolute spot-on reproduction of the famous Thunderbird Field embroidered patch, which has been produced on original 1920s looms using rayon yarns (which gives the patch an authentic, vintage look and feel), making it indistinguishable from an original example.

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

This flight jacket is rooted in pre-WWII Hollywood.  Thunderbird Field was a creation of Hollywood producer Leland Hayward, along with investors James Stewart, Cary Grant, Henry Fonda, Robert Taylor and Margaret Sullivan. Thoughtfully laid out, the airfield could be seen as an etching of the mythical Anasazi Thunderbird from the air. The control tower formed the head of the bird, the administration buildings and barracks its body, the hangers its wings, and the gardens its feathered tail.

In 1941 the field became part of the United States Army Air Force's training establishment and contract-based primary flight training base for Allied pilots of various nations throughout the war.

The Thunderbird Field Instructor's Flight Jacket is based upon traditional flight jacket and garment designs of the period, being strikingly similar to the USAC A-1 Flying Jacket of the 1920s. Made from 100% wool serge dyed in olive drab for the body, dark brown WarHorse® leather for the sleeves, and rayon-satin for the lining, this light-weight, easy-to-wear jacket has both classic vintage style and practical versatility: Worn in the autumn over just a T-shirt, or in the winter over a sweater - it fits the bill. The slick, high-quality rayon lining means it slips on and off easily, and the all-wool knit trim to collar, cuffs and waist keep the wind gusts out.

Stitched to the left upper left shoulder is an absolute spot-on reproduction of the famous Thunderbird Field embroidered patch, which has been produced on original 1920s looms using rayon yarns (which gives the patch an authentic, vintage look and feel), making it indistinguishable from an original example.

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

In homage to one of the greatest fighter units of all time, we are proud to offer the 352nd Fighter Group “Blue Noser” A-2 Flight Jacket. After interviewing several members of the 352nd, we were able to examine their original A-2 Jackets, which were famously modified with interior canvas pockets. One jacket, in particular, worn by 2nd Lt. Carleton “Bud” Fuhrman, was made by the Monarch Mfg. Co., thus we decided to produce this jacket type and copy the pocket details found in Bud’s jacket in this special reproduction of a 352nd A-2 Jacket.

As the air war in Europe escalated, Allied air missions were flying deeper into enemy territory.  Because of this, pilots were becoming more at risk to being shot down and captured; accordingly, an increasing array of innovative escape and evasion survival equipment was being issued to them. Stowage was limited within the flying clothing for the ever-increasing equipment issues, thus the pilots had their A-2 Jackets modified by adding two extra inside pockets. The inside pockets are what is known as “rigger modifications:” Occasionally, certain flying clothing needed to be modified to better suit the wearer and his needs and the parachute shop where the parachute riggers worked was the place; riggers used sewing machines to repair various parachute equipment – hence “rigger modification.”

Made to the highest degree of authenticity, we have reproduced the 352nd Monarch A-2 using our premium-grade WarHorse® horsehide. We use the same quality Olive Drab canvas as was used on Bud’s jacket; as you will see from the detailed images, the pocket stitching goes right through both the lining and leather shell, just as it does on Bud’s original A-2.

These pockets are purely utilitarian and not meant as fashion as you will see from the detailed ‘Close-Up’ images on the page link on this web site.  Further identifying the uniqueness of this special A-2 model, every jacket is stenciled in the back of the lining with correct wartime flight jacket stencil of the ‘352nd FTR GRP.’ This is the only A-2 Jacket we offer with interior pockets, made the way it was really done for actual combat operations in the Big League of aerial warfare in WWII. No other model is available with optional interior pockets and no other style of pockets is available.

This product is officially endorsed by the 352nd Fighter Group Pilots’ Association. Special thanks go to 352nd veterans: Robert ‘Punchy’ Powell and Carlton ‘Bud’ Fuhrman. Thanks are also extended to Mark Hamel, 352nd Ftr. Gp. historian: this special A-2 project is a testament to their invaluable help.

This A-2 Jacket is custom order only.  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