When you work in my business, you look for unique features, idiosyncrasies, and small details, because so often with vintage the devil is in the detail. And so it was with this piece. I first found the jacket 6 months ago, and immediately noticed the differences to a standard Trialmaster, the epaulettes, black buttons and the additional 6" added to the bottom. She had an irregular Lightning zip that locked when closed, and very unusually for a 60s Belstaff had Newey studs throughout. And this sent me on a little journey of discovery into one of the rarest pieces of government issued wax that you will ever see. Back in the 60s, the British police were also using motorcycles, and they commissioned from Belstaff a number of handmade jackets with the above mentioned factory modifications. I've managed to find a couple of photos of these in use, one of which is included with the listing.
Now when I found the jacket she was a sorry state, but after 6 months in the workshop she's back to her former glory. The belt loops which had been removed have been replaced by Belstaff themselves, and I've located the correct size and age belt. But more importantly, when I got the jacket I could see the outline of the policeman's number shadowed in the wax (picture included) and I've sourced all the correct metal parts and the correct POLICE patch for the breast. The only thing I've not done is replace the neck strap (this can be done if desired) which had been professionally removed in the past, likely as police would wear these jackets open at the collar to show shirt and tie beneath.
What truly makes this piece standout for me is the length. The additional 6 inches on the bottom dramatically change the profile of the jacket and she fits and looks more like a Barbour Solway than a traditional Trialmaster.
Condition
This is in good, but used condition. There are a couple of small holes in the chest pockets, and the lining is a little dirty (again if desired I can give this a good clean and rewax for the new owner).
Size
- No tag but fits from a med to XL depending upon desired fit
- Pit to pit 24"
- Shoulder to shoulder 21"
- Shoulder to cuff 25.5"
- Collar to hem 35"