A French-made double-breasted leather work coat, estimated to date from the 1950s.
This is a French leather jacket and coat with a backstory of having been issued to state-owned enterprises and government agencies at the time.
This particular example appears to have been supplied as workwear issue.
The details, fabric character, and overall atmosphere are remarkable—a piece brimming with the essence of what vintage truly offers.
This example features the rare double-breasted configuration, with buttons arranged in two columns.
Double-breasted examples certainly carry more visual impact than their single-breasted counterparts, commanding greater presence.
The double-breasted detail alone elevates its scarcity value significantly. In the market, examples remain few, and prices have been climbing steadily—a trajectory we can expect to continue.
Inside, there is an embroidered tag with gold lettering on a black ground.
Many seek out pieces bearing these embroidered tags, characteristic of older production eras.
The waist belt is included, allowing for silhouette adjustment—a two-way versatility that invites you to modify the fit according to your mood when wearing.
The presence of a chin strap, designed for wearing the collar raised, is another detail worth acknowledging.
The difference between having a chin strap and not having one is vast.
The sense of elevation and atmosphere when wearing the collar raised is in a category of its own.
Notably, and unusually for leather coats of this type, the shoulders employ a raglan sleeve construction.
Given the leather has already softened over time, it conforms to the wearer's shoulders without resistance, allowing for a refined silhouette rather than a purely utilitarian appearance.
The fabric is crafted from Sheep Skin—used generously throughout.
Sheepskin is leather made from sheep that have reached at least one year of age.
Among leathers, it possesses the greatest lightness and softness. While it yields somewhat in durability and abrasion resistance compared to hides from other animals, its skin-like quality provides exceptional conformity and comfort against the body.
Many avoid leather for its initial stiffness, but such concerns are unfounded here.
This leather has already softened to that skin-like quality, offering exceptional wearability.
The lining is constructed from wool, providing superior warmth.
Without question, this is a piece that excels not only in design but in function as well.
No size tag is visible, though it appears to correspond to a Japanese M to L.
Based on actual measurements, this should be an ideal fit for most Japanese physiques, accommodating a wide range of builds.
Even worn oversized, it carries authority—smaller frames can wear it generously and still command presence.
Discoloration, marks, creasing inherent to the material, loose stitching, small holes—throughout, there is evident patina of use. Yet it is precisely this quality that offers the full character of vintage.
We hope you will continue to wear and repair this piece as years pass.
French leather coats remain infrequent arrivals in our shop.
The atmosphere born from years of patina, combined with the presence conveyed when the chin strap is fastened, creates a bearing that is unmistakably distinctive.
For those seeking a leather piece with genuine presence, this is a specimen worth considering. If it speaks to you, we would encourage you not to overlook the opportunity.
