Leather long car coat 1900-1910s – pre WW1 - Horsehide? – 42-44

[Kunja]

For sale is a very rare and unusual jacket, a long leather car coat from the early days of the open cockpit automobile. It dates to the turn of the century or a little after. I acquired this one 10 or 15 years ago from an eBay seller in Perth Australia. He claimed to have bought it from the estate of the daughter (or granddaughter?) of the man who originally owned it, and that the original owner had served with the Australian Expeditionary Forces in WW1. The seller was shown a photo taken before the war of the young man wearing the coat astride an early motorcycle. So that's the “provenance” that I have for this one.

I believe this is horsehide. No maker’s marks, this one was likely a bespoke piece made especially for the owner. This jacket does show some wear, as can be expected, and even a small spot of red paint on one sleeve from a painting project ages ago, but it is perfectly wearable and I have worn it many times over the years. Its in amazing shape for a jacket that is well over 100 years old!

This coat has some of the greatest leather grain I have ever seen! Double breasted button front, as this was made long before the zipper was invented. The tan cotton liner is coming away from the collar a bit but is still solid overall, and the storm cuffs are still in pretty good shape. The included belt is not original but does match almost perfectly. I’ve always liked the sort of high waisted location of the belt on this as well as the classic rounded shoulders.

This fits like a 42-44. Measurements are
Chest: 22
Shoulders across back: 19-20
Length from collar seam to bottom: 43
Sleeves: 25-26

I’m looking for $750 plus shipping, PP/FF on this special coat. As always gentlemen, thanks for looking and questions welcomed.

 

[Kunja]

More pics

 

[Kunja]

Last pics

 

[Will Zach]

Supercool.

 

[Kunja]

upward

 

[Kunja]

bump

 

[Kunja]

again

 

[Wardo1974]

Fantastic. Not my style but I love the story.

 

[Kunja]

Reduced to $500 delivered in conus, exact shipping worldwide.

 

[Kunja]

once more

 

[Kunja]

$400 delivered in conus, exact shipping worldwide.

 

[gunnarthefeisty]

Is this still available?

 

[Kunja]

Yes

 

[semolina_pilchard]

There's a good chance that the coat was made by R.M. Williams of Adelaide (history here: https://www.rmwilliams.com/uk/about-us/rmwilliams-history.html?lang=en_GB). I have a shorter length jacket that has what looks like the same lining as your coat, but also has a tag.

The jacket I have was worn in action by a WWII pilot. The vintage dealer I got it from bought it directly from the pilot's son, and they took it to R.M. Williams HQ who confirmed that it was made by them.

Here's the tag/lining:

Love the coat anyway, and it's always great when they have a story behind them.

 

[Kunja]

Thank you very much for that information!

Edit: I just looked at their site and they were established in 1932, so not R.M. Williams. This jacket was probably already 20-30 years old then if the original background is true. The first owner was in world war 1. I do appreciate the knowledge though, so thanks again.

 

[semolina_pilchard]

Ah, fair enough! I must've misread the WW number. Apologies.

It's a fine coat, and in excellent condition.