Circa 1980s, a Belstaff 'Trialmaster Professional Jacket'.
A truly exceptional piece has arrived.
Belstaff is a British heritage outerwear brand founded in 1924 by "Eli Belovitch" and his brother-in-law "Harry Grosberg" in Longton, Staffordshire, England.
The brand name Belstaff derives from "Bel" (from founder Belovitch) and "Staff" (from Staffordshire). The company name itself embodies the spirit of British craftsmanship and the English landscape.
From its inception, Belstaff confronted directly the functional demands of waterproofing, windproofing, and durability, earning recognition as a pioneer in applying waxed cotton to motorway protective wear.
In an era before synthetic membranes, the layered wax-treated fabric achieved both water resistance and durability. It gained steadfast support not only from riders, but from professionals working in harsh environments—drivers, pilots, and others engaged in demanding work.
As a brand that established "the aesthetics of utility," Belstaff left an indelible mark on British outdoor heritage.
The Trialmaster stands as the model most emblematic of Belstaff.
Developed with the rigorous Scottish Six Days Trial in mind, it was officially launched in 1959.
Its design—featuring four flapped patch pockets at chest and waist, a throat latch, and waist belt—merged weather resistance with mobility. That completeness eventually extended to the street. Cherished by celebrated riders and cultural icons alike, it remains spoken of today as the pinnacle of British outerwear.
Today, Belstaff proposes a "modern heritage" centered on classics like the Trialmaster and Roadmaster, encompassing leather, technical fabrics, and knitwear. The drive toward tradition and innovation continues unabated. The pursuit of lightness, rationality, and durability for the next generation defines Belstaff's present.
From Belstaff, we present the Trialmaster Professional Jacket—the eternal classic unveiled in the 1950s.
By 1952, revolutionary Che Guevara wore a Trialmaster during his motorcycle journey through South America, an event that sparked rapid growth in the model's popularity. By 1960, it had become Belstaff's top seller. In 1963, Steve McQueen wore the Trialmaster in the film "The Great Escape," with the iconic scene of leaping barbed wire becoming a lasting symbol. Originally designed to withstand the brutal weather and terrain of the SSDT, the first tester was "Sammy Miller," then eighteen years old. He would go on to wear Belstaff in over 1,000 races, and a jacket line was eventually named in his honor.
This particular example bears what is known as the "Sammy Miller tag" and represents a later iteration of the Trialmaster, with design modifications made around the late 1970s.
Sammy Miller—British trial racer and "the god of trials"—drove the SSDT through the 1960s with an remarkable record of over 1,300 victories, cementing his name in motorcycle history as Belstaff's iconic figure.
From this classic Trialmaster model, we present a piece genuinely worthy of archive status.
Rather than the black so commonly seen on the market, this is a rare bright green waxed cotton—colloquially known as the "green Belstaff." A special piece rarely encountered even in Britain itself, it stands alongside the equally scarce bright red variant, the "red Belstaff," as a collector's prize.
Legend has it that Sammy Miller himself raced in a bright green Trialmaster, a story that speaks to its symbolic place in brand history.
It encompasses all the practical details distinctive to the Trialmaster: four flapped patch pockets, waist belt, throat latch, elbow pads, and shoulder reinforcement.
What distinguishes this example is a subtle evolution specific to its era. Unlike earlier Sammy Miller–tagged pieces, this late-70s to early-80s specimen reflects contemporary proportions: slightly longer length, slimmer body, narrower shoulders, and an armhole with just enough ease.
The characteristic diagonal chest pocket was also eliminated, replaced with a straight horizontal configuration.
The front closure employs a double-layered construction with both zip fastener and snap buttons. The zipper slider is YKK.
The waist belt—often a missing component—is present here. Draw it tight for defined waist articulation, or leave it open for the linear, relaxed drape characteristic of a rider's silhouette. A two-way refinement that lets you modulate silhouette according to mood.
No size tag is visible, though it appears equivalent to a Japanese S–M.
Given the actual measurements, it runs on the smaller side. Those with a slighter build should find it wearable.
There are signs of use—soil, small holes, oil staining, and the characteristic smell of oiled cloth—but no serious damage that would impede wear. Still quite serviceable.
Belstaff: a heritage outerwear brand born in Britain.
Among its offerings, the "green Belstaff"—a standard Trialmaster in this scarce bright green—is a collector's piece rarely encountered even in its country of origin. As a legendarily rare colorway alongside the red variant, market availability is extremely limited.
This is not something that money alone can procure, nor can we promise future inventory.
A worthy anchor piece for any wardrobe, and equally fitting as a collector's gem. Given the rarity of such pieces in our stock, those seeking one should not miss this opportunity.
