AN-j-3

[pilot error]

Look what I found! Unless I miss my guess, this is an AN-J-3 probably made by Willis & Geiger. These are the seller's pictures as I haven't received it yet. The bottom RAU snap tells me that it's either a prototype or a civilian overrun sold by Abercrombie & Fitch. I suspect the latter. I've seen that complication once before. Needless to say......I 'll be waiting for the mailman!

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[heron163]

looks in nice shape, Love the knit color.

 

[Technonut]

Yep, looks like you were lucky and snagged an AN-J-3. I agree with your assessment that the jacket was part of a civilian overrun made by W&G. The condition looks absolutely killer also.

If you found this one on the Bay, it must have eluded me. I have had searches in for that jacket under multiple search names for a VERY long time now. How did you find it? Please don't tell me it was relatively inexpensive, and in a larger size either...

 

[Technonut]

Hmmm.. Going back and looking at the pics, my attention was drawn to the zipper. The AN-J-3 was developed towards the end of the war in the mid 1940's, and most of the zippers I've seen on the W&G AN-J-3's were indeed mid 40's straight-puller Talons. Some with a 'V' for 'Victory' on the puller, not the M42 pictured. The Talon M42 was used on many war-time A-2 contracts, and I believe the 1st I've seen on the W&G AN-J-3.

Your thoughts on it being a true prototype may be correct due to the zipper, and is more than likely a rare-bird..

EDIT: I also have not seen one with a factory-installed snap on the jacket's zipper box.

EDIT: After you receive the jacket, there would be folks over at VLJ who do not visit here much that would be quite interested in seeing it, if you are a member over there as well...

 

[Fanch]

Looks like a very nice find. IMO the ANJ-3 is the nicest design of all of the military leather jackets.

 

[pilot error]

Ok Technonut.....I won't tell you that it was relatively inexpensive, but size wise according to the seller it's a medium. probably a wartime 40. At first I thought the knits were replaced, but I won't know until I examine it. I'd like to get J C's thoughts on this find, what's the best way to reach him?

 

[Technonut]

Ok Technonut.....I won't tell you that it was relatively inexpensive, but size wise according to the seller it's a medium. probably a wartime 40. At first I thought the knits were replaced, but I won't know until I examine it. I'd like to get J C's thoughts on this find, what's the best way to reach him?

Well, at least it wouldn't have fit me... I have contacted JC through VLJ, but I'm sure that his contact addy from GW would work as well:

info@goodwearleather.com

Please keep us posted on your findings..

 

[Deacon211]

Great find! I agree that the ANJ seems to capture the best elements of both jackets.

Wear it in good health!


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[bn1966]

I like the ANJ-3

 

[Worf]

Where do you find these things!!!!! Color me jealous!

Worf

 

[Stand By]

Wow! Sweet. You scored big time.
Well done!!

 

[pilot error]

Thanks Guys for all the kudos.......still waiting for the mailman, let's hope that it fits! I've got my fingers crossed........

 

[pilot error]

The power of crossed fingers.....

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[Technonut]

Damn... I must say that's one of the nicest looking period AN-J-3's I've seen pics of. Fits you like a glove as well. As I asked earlier, please keep us updated as you find out more about it. Does the Talon look to be original, and not a replacement?

 

[pilot error]

At first I thought the knits were replaced. They just seemed wrong, size, color, and thickness. But upon close examination I can't find any stitch marks, so I don't know. The rest of the jacket is surely original.