Anj-4 question about care

[BRJACKET]

First Post!! I am looking to get an ANJ-4 jacket. I have been looking at different manufacturers from Eastman to Aero and Lost World and (for less expensive) at Cockpit USA. The best looking one I've seen was posted here by John Lever in the thread about ANJ4 sizing. It was an Eastman that he said in the post is not the current version and that he had sold (I don't know to attach the link.). I am not concerned about exact replicas (I would be OK with side handwarmers). My question is twofold. First, how would the quality of the sheepskin compare (especially from Cockpit USA on the low end). Second, the sheepskin is less durable and more prone to scuffing. Is this just something to accept as the nature of the coat or should I use a protective coating or conditioner?
Thanks, and I have been enjoying reading this forum and hearing everyone's thoughts.

 

[B-24J]

Hi BRJACKET and welcome to the Lounge,
For the first part of your question, you may want to search REPRO R.A.F. Irvin in Outerwear. The various manufacturers are discussed quite a bit there. The second question I think is also discussed there. A new jacket should not require any product to be applied. However, I have read were a Lounge member used Pecard's Antique Leather Dressing to soften a jacket they felt was too dry. Once, as a test, I applied Pecard on one side of a sheepskin sample piece and the other side with the Eastman Leather Conditioner. After following all instructions and waiting two or three days I buffed both sides. After about a week the Pecard side was a little softer and the ELC Conditioner side was slightly softer than the Pecard. However, the ELC Conditioner did seem to leave a residue in the grain. I have used the ELC Conditioner on old leather with amazing results. Bottom line, whatever jacket you choose, I doubt you will need any form a treatment for many years. Just enjoy the character it develops as you happily scuff and scrape - then it will feel like it's a part of you.

John