Aero modified redskin D-1 (pic heavy)

[Sloan1874]

After much soul searching, I decided to trade in my beautiful ANJ-4. Since pulling it out of storage last month,it’s been lying unworn, taunting me. While it’s been great for early starts and during January and February, the reality is that these jackets are meant for places where the mercury sinks below 0C at the end of November and rarely clambers above it until the end of March. As it is, I realised the goat panels were barely broken in and the thing was basically pristine after two years wear. So, with a heavy heart, back to Aero it went.

Now, I still wanted a sheepskin jacket - I wear my Irvin all the time - it was a case of getting the right weight. Thankfully, Aero’s Quartermaster Store has a D-1 in my size. I’ve been intrigued by them ever since bn1966 and worf recommended it as a warm and flexible jacket, so the opportunity to get one without the usual wait was ideal.

Anyway, long story short, I now own a fantastic red skin D-1. This particular one has been made for Thurston and was modified with B-6 pockets rather than the zippered ones - no loss as far as I’m concerned as there’s few things more unpleasant than having your hands scratched raw on a cold morning. The other mod was the replacement of the normal horsehide tapes with russet Vicenza, which is a classy touch.

Right enough chat, here are some pics. I’ll get some wear ones taken once my other half returns.

 

[ton312]

Redskin is such a thing of beauty. I'm not there yet but if I ever go after one of these it'll have to be a redskin. It's positively stunning.

 

[Sloan1874]

The pics aren't really doing it justice. I'll get some wear pics done in natural light to capture the depth of colour. To me it's not an ott colour, it's a very stylish look.

 

[willyto]

I wonder why the ANJ-4 is more warm than these jackets. They all look the same to me warm wise.

 

[Sloan1874]

The pile of the ANJ-4 is at least twice as thick as the D-1 and Irvin. It's a serious piece of kit, designed for high altitude bombing, while D-1 was originally issued to ground crew before being adopted by pilots as less cumbersome than the heavier jackets.

 

[Benny Holiday]

That's a seriously smashing jacket. I knew it would have to be something special for you to choose it, and the photos do not disappoint.

 

[Sloan1874]

I couldn't let the ANJ-4 go if I didn't think I was replacing it with something that was equally good in its own right. It's a completely different creature - it's closer in weight and fit to the Irvin - but I will get far more wear out of it. I've already been out in it without overheating, so I know I'm on to a winner.

 

[Worf]

Nice to see you're still in the game Sloan. I still have my D1 but I also purchased a custom Redskin AN-J4 from JC at Good Wear. He outfitted it with the shortest pile he had so it's about the same as the D-1. My used Aero Irvin has the thickest pile of all my jackets though the Pike Bros. B-10 is right up there. Congrats and I hope you wear her well.

Worf

 

[BobJ]

THAT... is a beautiful jacket. It is the one I would get if got a sheepskin jacket.

And to think, it's labelled a "mechanic's jacket"! Can you imagine getting one of these all ripped and oily and greasy!? It would be kinda like wearing an Armani tuxedo to wash hogs.

 

[MET]

Nice jacket.
Aero do not accept my trade in offers since 7-8 months. Is it an exception or did they begin to accept trade in jackets?

 

[Dav]

That's a beauty Sloan, looking forward to the outside pics.

 

[s4rmark]

Stunning jacket , can’t wait for the jacket on photos.

 

[cloudylemonade]

Nice jacket.
Aero do not accept my trade in offers since 7-8 months. Is it an exception or did they begin to accept trade in jackets?

Who have you discussed this with? We do accept trade ins, but within reason - nothing too heavily modified. Can you email me about it please? holly@aeroleatherclothing.com

 

[MeachamLake]

Very nice jacket, you'll love it. I've been getting plenty of wear out of my B6 in the seal brown 1/2 inch shearling and I can confirm it's certainly warm enough for our climate here in the UK!

I've also just ordered an Eastman D1 to complete the collection...

 

[Sloan1874]

It did occur to me as a I left Aero on Monday that a B-6 was inevitable now...

 

[MeachamLake]

It did occur to me as a I left Aero on Monday that a B-6 was inevitable now...

It can spiral out of control before you know it. I'm slowly turning into Alan Partridge, minus the Toblerone addiction. "Lynn, I've driven to Galashiels in my bare feet...I've been buying lot of jackets...come and help me..."

 

[Fanch]

I have long been impressed with the D-1 and would have bought one long ago if I didn’t live in the sun belt. Well done Craig with yours and look forward to seeing fit pictures.

 

[Edward]

The pile of the ANJ-4 is at least twice as thick as the D-1 and Irvin. It's a serious piece of kit, designed for high altitude bombing, while D-1 was originally issued to ground crew before being adopted by pilots as less cumbersome than the heavier jackets.

Then there's the heavier collar round your neck, which makes a difference. Like for like, both in seal goat, I always found my Aero An6552 noticeably warmer than my Aero A2 - one reason being the mouton collar, the other the less-breathable satin lining. The much bigger, heavier collar on the ANJ4 will doubtless make a difference. Also, I suspect that the addtional leather panels might have an impact.

It did occur to me as a I left Aero on Monday that a B-6 was inevitable now...

Obvs. You need one of those in Seal Brown....

 

[dubpynchon]

Great D-1, the B-6 pockets are a useful modification, they seem to be a better oriented for warming your hands than the normal D-1. I have russet vicenza trim on my B-3 as well, very nice.

 

[MeachamLake]

Great D-1, the B-6 pockets are a useful modification, they seem to be a better oriented for warming your hands than the normal D-1. I have russet vicenza trim on my B-3 as well, very nice.

It's interesting, I thought this would be the case and was why I bought my B6 first - but in reality, I find the pockets pretty useless. They're angled and positioned too awkwardly to comfortably use as handwarmers, and the fact they're not zipped means you can't really put stuff in them (although they're pretty deep). Still, doesn't detract from the jacket overall whatsoever!