Lewis Leathers Bronx Jackets

[aswatland]

In 1956 Lewis Leathers of Great Portland Street, London, launched what was to become one of their most popular MC jackets, the Bronx no. 384. The example pictured below from my collection, dates to the late 1950s, having just the cream Aviakit product label sewn on to the lining.

Lewis Leathers was a retail shop selling a range of motorcycle clothing and equipment made by a variety of firms. Some of the garments had Aviakit and Lewis Leathers labels applied to them. During the 1950s the Elizabeth Radley Leather company (renamed “Highwayman” in the 1960s) made their leather jackets.

This late 1950s Bronx jacket is 100% original with a Lightning main zip. The leather is soft making it very comfortable to wear. Early Bronx jackets were very rare indeed.

 

[aswatland]

The second Bronx jacket is the twin track no. 440. The jacket was premiered at the Brighton Bike show in the autumn of 1965 and was on sale from 1966. This jacket was made before the patent was approved and has “patent applied for” stamped on the label, making it very rare. It is in superb condition and is totally original. The main zip is also a Lightning. It has seven pockets, including an inside wallet pocket and a coin pocket on the sleeve. I particularly like the coin/key pocket on the left sleeve, which is not present on my early Bronx jacket. The leather is full of grain. It is tagged a 42, but fits bigger.

 

[robrinay]

Brilliant jackets Andrew - I had one briefly but the inner zip was badly damaged so I replaced it with an Aero 'Brando' in horse hide and sold it on eBay. Naturally I regret it now but I needed the funds at the time. Rob

 

[rocketeer]

Nice jacket Andrew, I prefer the single track to the double, I just think it looks better though not as practical as the twin.
Here's mine, bought at a car boot sale for £4 about 10 years ago and sold for a nice profit.
Worn on my A65 it was just a bit too big as it was an easy 48 and I could get another jacket on underneath. Sold because I looked sh*t in it.
Original Lightning zip, red cotton sailcloth lining, also had the stainless quick release buckle that repro's do not.
have.
Great to see more bike jackets posted

 

[bn1966]

Nice jackets guys, the wife picked up an older cheap Lewis (needed a new zip) for two wheeled adventures. I'm in London a few times this year & mean to pay Lewis a visit.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

LL is well worth a visit. make sure to get down and see the archive of 30s/40s stuff. Truly a goldmine. If you're a size 36 or below, it'll kill you … they're all tiny, and Derek refuses to sell any! (At least he refused my offer to purchase some of the old D. Lewis materpieces.)

The Bronx isn't my favourite style, tbh - bit too fussy with the zipper proliferation - but those above are very nice looking jackets.:eusa_clap

 

[bn1966]

I'm a 46" chest Baron, so no fear of me making any offers. I did once own a Brooks 60's (I think) cafe racer but sold it when everyone started wearing one & Topman stocked their flimsy fashion version. Should have kept it