ANJ3 vs leather collared G1

[Neirin]

Interested in either an a2 or an anj3. Was wondering what the difference is between a leather collared G1 and the anj3. Do they fit similarly? Would it be advisable to ask either Eastman or Aero to make me a G1 without the fur collar?

Thanks,

Neirin

 

[Fanch]

I don't think there is any such thing as as leather collared G-1 as the G-1 comes with a fur (mouton or synthetic) collar. A leather collared G-1 would, in essence, be an ANJ-3, or at least one iteration. Personally I have always felt the ANJ-3 was one of the best designs for a flight jacket ever, although without the rich history of the A-2 or G-1. BTW welcome to the Lounge!

 

[Justhandguns]

I think Aero have the ANJ3 as well, no much difference to the G-1 except for the lining (and the collar, of course). I bet that they are using the same goat skin as well. The infamous BK also make a nice looking ANJ-3 with civilian label.

 

[kojax]

cockpit usa makes this g1 jacket has no fur collar

 

[Technonut]

Steve S is usually around the forum, and makes a damn fine AN-J-3. Patterns from an original, vintage AN-J-3 are used. The French goatskin Steve sourced is some beautiful, crusty goat. I think he offers cowhide as well.

I'm not 100% sure if Steve is offering discounts, but it wouldn't hurt to ask. His prices are reasonable nonetheless.

Here are a couple of threads to check-out:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/steve-s-the-new-an-j-3.84351/

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/experimental-test-sample-an-j-3-jacket-project.84879/


BTW: Welcome to the madness...errrrrrrummmm..forum.

 

[Edward]

The Aero ANJ3 is a lovely jacket - I pwned one briefly a few years ago, but it was too small on me. The only real difference - lining aside - betwen that and a standard, historically correct G1 is the collar being leather rather than mouton. If you go that route, do ask for advice on the sizing: I found the ANJ3 I owned to be about a size down from the same-number USN jacket, but that may have changed. Both made from the same goat.

 

[Neirin]

Thank you all for your responses. Yes, based on what you say it sounds as though the ANJ3 is the jacket I'm after. Now I need to decide whether I want the flap inside or outside the zipper. Also looking to get rid of the epaulettes just like that furless cockpit USA G1...

I like the idea of buying a jacket from Steve S in the forum but I'm actually after a black coloured goatskin.

 

[Edward]

If you're looking for black, the black goatskin Aero have been getting this last couple of years is lovely stuff - I have my eye on it for a jacket at some future date.

 

[SteveZ]

Just to settle a question for me, was the ANJ-3 ever used ' officially ' as a legal jacket to wear on duty when it was introduced ? But it cant be worn today on the base, right ? I love the non fur collar version. Some guy has a Sportys ANJ-3 for sale on E BAY but its a bit too small for me. DARN ! Nice looking jacket too.

 

[Technonut]

Just to settle a question for me, was the ANJ-3 ever used ' officially ' as a legal jacket to wear on duty when it was introduced ? But it cant be worn today on the base, right ? I love the non fur collar version. Some guy has a Sportys ANJ-3 for sale on E BAY but its a bit too small for me. DARN ! Nice looking jacket too.

Info from Steve S's AN-J-3 listing:

The AN-J-3 was designed in 1943 by the US Army Air Forces. The jacket was intended to be a replacement for the Army Air Forces A-2 & USN M-422 jackets. The Jacket borrowed design elements from each type of jacket and was planned to be issued to both services. The "AN" meant it was for both Army and the Navy use, the "J" specifies it as a jacket, and "3" designates it as the third jacket developed under the joint services equipment program.

The design was an interesting combination of the A-2 and the M-422 jackets. It had the Gusseted back found on the USN jackets which allowed more freedom of movement. The rib-rack waistband, cuffs, and the dark seal goatskin hide were also carried over from the USN jackets. The leather collar, storm flap, and epaulets were taken from the USAAF A-2 design, minus the throat hook & latch and collar snaps. There were slight variations in the design as well, with some having no epaulets and an inside storm flap similar to the USN M-422.

Approximately 2,000 AN-J-3's were contracted and manufactured mostly by Willis & Geiger, but the design was short lived and both services dropped the jacket in favor of different designs shortly after delivery. The jacket did not see widespread combat use, but some photographic evidence suggests that a few were worn in combat. Willis & Gieger went on to sell some additional jackets to the commercial retail market under the label Abercrombie & Fitch.

There are a few pics which surfaced that show the AN-J-3 worn during WW2. It cannot be worn at all in the USAF now. The USAF leather jacket currently issued is the A-2, for qualified personnel...

 

[Dr H]

Having owned several original AN-J-3 jackets, the cut is somewhat more like the M-422/422A than the G-1. It's much less tapered and more forgiving around the waist.

 

[Neirin]

If you're looking for black, the black goatskin Aero have been getting this last couple of years is lovely stuff - I have my eye on it for a jacket at some future date.

Has any one on here made any jackets out of it?

 

[Neirin]

This one looks great:

 

[SteveZ]

I love that jacket !!

 

[Fanch]

If you're looking for black, the black goatskin Aero have been getting this last couple of years is lovely stuff - I have my eye on it for a jacket at some future date.

I believe I would prefer Aero's fantastic looking brown goatskin over their black for any military type jacket (A-2, G-1, ANJ-3, etc.) as black is IMO too great a deviation from the standard of originally issued military jackets. Honestly said, I even have a problem with side entry (handwarmer) pockets as well. Just my take on the matter. I will say the black goatskin used to build my Maxwell is fantastic stuff and highly recommend it for look, hand, feel, and drape.

 

[SteveZ]

Too bad the USN and USAF didnt adopt this jacket for their present day air crews. The armed forces could have come up with a zippered leather or fur collar for both versions that was totally interchangeble. Other than the collar, that would be the only difference. The collar could be changed in less than a minute. Maybe a removable inner liner as well ? ( just thinking out loud )