Estimated 1960s, Swedish Army Dispatch Rider Motorcycle Jacket.
A special acquisition.
Known in Swedish as Ordonnansjacka, this refers to the motorcycle jacket worn by dispatch riders of the Swedish Army.
The earliest iterations of this jacket trace back to 1915, with the original examples crafted from goat leather. As leather costs escalated in 1955, the military began experimenting with alternative fabrics—transitioning from goat leather to grey cotton canvas, and by 1960, to green cotton canvas.
The versions most commonly encountered today, constructed from green cotton canvas, remained in service through the latter half of the twentieth century.
The asymmetrical design is distinctive to the Swedish Army motorcycle jacket. This asymmetry serves a functional purpose—preventing wind intrusion—while further reinforced by a double-layer construction with an additional button closure on the interior.
A substantial flap pocket, positioned at the left front closure. This pocket was designed to carry maps and correspondence required for dispatch operations.
All buttons are oversized plastic—engineered for operation while wearing gloves.
The interior front closure bears a stamp characteristic of the Swedish Army: three crowns.
Before 1942, the Swedish Army operated under the authority of the Crown and used a single crown marking. In 1942, the military resolved to adopt a unified symbol across all equipment, establishing the three-crown emblem as the new standard. Though the three-crown symbol had been employed by the Swedish Air Force since the 1920s, its adoption as the universal military standard occurred in 1942.
Among military garments, this piece stands out for its functional ingenuity. Its design has proven sufficiently influential to be referenced by numerous contemporary brands.
Size marked as C56, roughly equivalent to XL to XXL in Japanese sizing. Given its substantial dimensions, it accommodates larger frames comfortably, while smaller builds can wear it generously layered—a piece of considerable versatility.
The fabric exhibits expected patina, surface marks, minor wear—consistent with a garment of this vintage. No significant damage impedes wear. Still entirely wearable.
More sought after internationally than domestically. Values have risen steadily, suggesting continued scarcity ahead.
Should size and condition align with your requirements, this is a piece worthy of consideration.
Whether as working garment or collection piece—a source of design study—this warrants attention if you have been searching.
