Lot 339 1920s Horsehide Leather Brakeman Coat

Before the advent of synthetic fabrics, people typically used leather, fur, or cotton and linen products to cope with cold or harsh working environments. In the 20s and 30s, leather jackets with a workwear style were named after the type of leather used, such as "Horsehide Coat" or "Cowhide Coat." With the end of World War II, the rise of internal combustion locomotive reduced the demand for railroad workers, and the development of the automotive and aviation industries further transformed the transportation market. The introduction of new fabrics, and the changes in lifestyle and ideology of human, gradually diminished the functional role of leather goods, turning them from workwear into casual jackets. Although this style of leather jacket still existed in the mid-1930s, it disappeared directly from the market by the 1940s.

This jacket is based on the brakeman coat, made from vegetable-tanned horsehide leather, and lined with olive-green wool for excellent warmth. The sleeves are lined with lyocell fiber fabric to ensure comfort and flexibility while wearing. Inspired by the suits in old times, the back is loose, and the front chest is slightly narrow, providing the wearer with greater back movement space. The overall presentation showcases a substantial and well-fitted silhouette, making it suitable for pairing with shirts or henley shirts as a base layer.

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