An estimated 1970s Lewis Leathers rider's jacket.
A special acquisition.
Lewis Leathers was established in 1892 when a shop opened on Great Portland Street in London. The house began by producing tailored clothing and protective garments for gentlemen's aviation and motoring pursuits.
The transition to motorcycle racing apparel began in 1926. As the nascent aviation industry emerged, the company responded to demand for thermally superior leather wear capable of withstanding cockpit temperatures. During the Second World War, Lewis Leathers supplied flying suits and flight jackets to the Royal Air Force.
The winged logomark, "AVIAKIT," is a neologism combining AVIATION and KIT — a testament to the brand's dual heritage in aviation and equipment design.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, world champions in racing wore Lewis Leathers, and this association catalyzed extraordinary popularity.
Models from the 1960s to 1970s are regarded as the "origin" of the Lewis Leathers jacket — a period held in the highest regard and commanding significant value in the market.
We present the "Thunder Bolt," one of the house's most celebrated models.
While the signature "Cyclone" and "Lightning" can be encountered with some regularity, this example remains a scarce variant — a piece rarely seen in commerce.
At the collar, a so-called 'blue feather tag' — an hallmark of Lewis Leathers jackets from the 1970s era — adorns this example.
Highly regarded pieces from this period represent true archival scarcity; such examples are simply not found when sought.
A double-breasted configuration, which commanded devotion among British rockers during the 1960s.
This is a masterwork among masterworks — a design that influenced major houses and countless designers.
It was worn by celebrated figures and British rock luminaries alike.
Sized "36," a golden proportion well-suited to the Japanese physique, accessible to a wide range of builds.
We encourage wearing this piece true to the rider's jacket tradition — at its proper fit.
While the leather bears surface wear and minor cracking characteristic of the material, the overall condition is exemplary for its era.
There are no significant structural damages that would impede wear — this piece remains entirely wearable.
The "Thunder Bolt" — a scarce variant even among vintage Lewis Leathers — is precisely the type of piece where masculine sentiment resides in its fullest expression. A Lewis Leathers rider's jacket of the kind one aspires to own once in a lifetime.
Neither wardrobe addition nor collection piece demands apology.
This is a rare acquisition that appears in our inventory with uncommon infrequency. Should you be seeking such a piece, we invite your consideration.
