'Experimental Test Sample' AN-J-3 Jacket Project

[Technonut]

The AN-J-3 has arrived! It seems to look somewhat different in person than the pics showed:




Waitaminute... Nah, that's not it.. LOL!! Let me start again...

The AN-J-3 arrived safely via Priority Mail. The jacket was neatly folded inside of a large Zip-Loc bag:




The first thing I have to say is DAMN!! THE FRENCH GOAT IS SWEET!!! Seriously, this is some outstanding leather... It exudes character, is quite soft, and VERY comfortable to wear. I was pleased to find that the fit is bang-on. The knit cuffs tunnel-in just the amount I wanted them to. Just enough to not ride up when my arms are outstretched while driving, reaching, etc.. , but still enough cuff showing when my arms are down.. The chest, length, and shoulders.. Perfect fit! Steve followed my measurements exactly how I requested. No surprises!

I'm really busy today, but will write up a more detailed review, and add more pics soon. Here is a quick one (excuse the poor quality for now) that should give an idea of how it looks:

I can say that I am VERY pleased and happy with this entire jacket purchasing experience, including the cost. Worth every penny IMO.. More to come later...

 

[Ralph_Phillips]

That new AN-J-3 looks perfect.

 

[w126c]

Nice. Get some pictures out side in the daylight to show off that goat. Really nice.

 

[Bunyip]

That's a great outcome. Kudos
to Steve, and congratulations to you good sir. Enjoy. I look forward to a detailed write it and some more pics.

 

[thor]

Jacket looks GREAT! Steve is a real gentleman who makes the whole custom-jacket process fun, interesting and successful. I love the W&G m-422a he made for me and I wear it every day. Congrats on your new jacket; wear it in good health!

 

[HoosierDaddy]

SteveS is THE MAN..!!..and now a premium jacket maker as well. Great job, Steve. Very nice..!!
HD

 

[Cocker]

Whoah, turned out really nice!! It indeed seems that SteveS is a great guy to work with!

 

[Technonut]

Thanks for the kind words everyone... I'm still busy today, but managed to grab a couple of shots in the sunlight. I'm not sure how the French tannery processed the hides for certain, but since this is the same goat sourced by John Chapman and Diamond Dave before (used in some of their A-2's), I'm fairly certain that it's vegetable-tanned / semi-aniline.

I've had many goatskin jackets over the years, but have never seen / handled anything like this. It is VERY soft. No break-in required. On the other hand, despite the softness, I can feel that the leather is quite strong, as goat is known to be.

I should have better fit pics and a review posted before the weekend is over..

 

[RJR]

Thanks for the kind words everyone... I'm still busy today, but managed to grab a couple of shots in the sunlight. I'm not sure how the French tannery processed the hides for certain, but since this is the same goat sourced by John Chapman and Diamond Dave before (used in some of their A-2's), I'm fairly certain that it's vegetable-tanned / semi-aniline.

I've had many goatskin jackets over the years, but have never seen / handled anything like this. It is VERY soft. No break-in required. On the other hand, despite the softness, I can feel that the leather is quite strong, as goat is known to be.

I should have better fit pics and a review posted before the weekend is over..


View attachment 43713 View attachment 43714

Beautiful,that graining is spectacular.

 

[Deacon211]

That looks phenomenal! Congrats!

Steve is working on one for me as we speak. A true gentleman to work with.


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[Technonut]

That looks phenomenal! Congrats!

Steve is working on one for me as we speak. A true gentleman to work with.


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Thanks.. I have been enjoying the jacket very much. We've had unseasonably warmer temps here the past couple of weeks, and I've been warm enough with a light sweater, or a thermal 'long-john' top with the jacket.

I'm certain you will be pleased with Steve's work. I can be pretty OCD where bespoke jackets are concerned, and am more than pleased. Which jacket is he making for you?

I apologize for not having more pics and a review up yet. There has been a lack of sunshine here the past few days, and I want to post good pics along with a written review. I will get it done as soon as the sun cooperates with me..

EDIT: I've been looking around the net for more info regarding the French goatskin used. From what I gather, it is really some special leather (going by the cost of outerwear made from it). Here are a couple I've found:

http://www.overland.com/products/jack-frost-leather-coat-with-shearling-lining-big-(48-52-25526.aspx

http://www.overland.com/products/two-rivers-goatskin-leather-jacket-20029.aspx

Steve's price is fantastic in comparison to those above, and better than most of the other reproduction specialists I know of. No lengthy waiting time, and close to 1/2 the cost in many cases. I would really like to see Steve start making some A-2's. I would love having one made from his seal brown French goat, and rust colored knits...

 

[Deacon211]

Thanks Techno!

Steve is making me an HL Block m-422a. I was going to start my own "work in progress" pics here shortly. So far, it's looking great.

I totally agree that Steve's jackets are a bargain and his updates really make you feel in the loop about how things are going.

Here's a great shot of my pocket flap overlying the pocket flap on an original Block. I think it's a pretty amazing match.

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[Technonut]

I ran across another interesting AN-J-3 type jacket on the bay.. This one is how a British version more than likely would have been designed. In fact, this is a British-made jacket.

Just my size too.. I couldn't resist putting an offer of $25.00 in since the 'buy-it-now' price was $39.99. To my surprise, the offer was accepted. It certainly has the vintage style that I like, and will make a great 'knock-around' jacket, since it has a rank / insignia holder stitched on. Personally, I don't mind it though, being original to the jacket. It was made by a company called Aviation Leathercraft, known for their Irvin jackets (they hold the trademark on the Irvin name).

Here's some pics to look at while I'm still waiting for the weather to clear enough for good pics of Steve's AN-J-3:

 

[Technonut]

The sun just peeked-out long enough for me to grab the tripod, and get a few shots before it clouded-up again:



This AN-J-3 is quickly becoming the jacket I reach for on the way out the door. The soft French goat makes for a comfortable jacket for sure. I've been working on a written review that I will post soon, along with more pics showing some of the details..

 

[Deacon211]

That looks awesome Techno! The fit couldn't be better and it looks like it's already broken in.


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[Technonut]

Looking at some of the pics, it appears like the jacket may be a bit tight in the chest, but I attribute that to the soft / supple French goat creasing. This hide seems as supple as lambskin, but has the strength goat is known for. My chest measures 43", and the jacket 47". I can place my hand in the jacket while zipped, and feel there's room. This is exactly the kind of trim-fit I wanted in this type of jacket.

I grabbed these pics this morning at a whopping 9 degrees F. I have on an undershirt, thermal Henley shirt, and a flannel-lined button shirt under the jacket.. Not too tight, and surprisingly warm... Quite comfortable actually.

 

[bn1966]

Great jacket....lovely fit too.....baggy sucks

 

[w126c]

Just plain gorgeous.

 

[Steve S.]

Looking good! It was a real pleasure working with you on this. Wear it in good health my friend!

 

[OldGreyBird]

I lucked onto an ANJ-3 in 1979, and wish I still had it---comfortable, stylish, and eye-catching. The USSTAF patch which it came with didn't hurt...