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

[bn1966]

I want one! Keep the progress pics coming

 

[Edward]

And I must say, I love the larger collar on my Aero ANJ-3 too …
But to each their own.

Aero do a lovely ANJ3. I briefly owned a used one I found on ebay, but it was too small. (As with the USN jackets, in my experience anyhow, they tend to come up much smaller than a same tag number A2).

 

[Stand By]

Aero do a lovely ANJ3. I briefly owned a used one I found on ebay, but it was too small. (As with the USN jackets, in my experience anyhow, they tend to come up much smaller than a same tag number A2).

It is indeed an excellent and beautifully made jacket, Edward. Of all my jackets, my girlfriend says it's her favourite - and that's high praise indeed from someone who thinks all my jackets look the same and who can't understand why I like them like I do or understand what I see in them (or anybody else for that matter and how/why there could possibly be a forum to discuss such things!).
But she likes that one the most. Somehow, it stands out to her.
So there we go.

 

[Technonut]

Brrrrrrrrr! Welcome to my neighborhood today: (Yeah, I know I need to take down the garland )



Steve has gotten the knits started.. Any puckering should disappear when the lining goes in. On top of the G-1 type inside pocket, I also opted for a small, hidden snap (As on an A-2 collar) in the lower leather zipper tabs to prevent coming apart when zipped, as most without a snap have a tendency towards.



I also managed to goof my body length measurement by 1/4", but I'm pretty sure that Steve can remedy this by taking the 1/4" off. All other measurements are 'spot-on'..

 

[bn1966]

Coming along nicely me-thinks

 

[Technonut]

Not much to report today. Steve was able to get the lining cut, and tag stitched on. Shouldn't be too much longer now..




I must add that I've had many leather jackets made for me over the years, and Steve Sellers has been more of a pleasure to work with than any other 'Jacketmeister' I've dealt with. Pretty much daily updates including pics, reasonable time in answering e-mails, attention to detail, etc.. All of that, plus the price for his jackets, some of which are close to 1/2 the price of the other "proper' reproduction specialists out there.. Hopefully, Steve will break into the A-2, and vintage-style 30's-40's leather jacket market one of these days. There's always room for more talent in this 'niche' market IMO..

 

[Technonut]

Must be my AN-J-3 style jacket lucky day... While browsing the Bay earlier, I ran across this:



Before I hit the 'Buy-It-Now' trigger, I searched through completed listings, and Google images. I couldn't find another like it. Ready... Aim... Button pressed!

I have a red James Dean licensed windbreaker which I like a lot. It is starting to show it's age, and I think this jacket is exactly what I needed to retire it. I've seen many cotton A-2 style jackets... Never really interested me. This jacket was sold by Nordstrom, through it's NorthWear label.. Generally well made goods IME.

IF the measurements were taken correctly by the seller, this wool-blend AN-J-3 style jacket (USN version) should fit nicely, with room for a sweater.

It's really strange to me that this particular style jacket would pop-up while I'm having the leather version made. It certainly reeks of vintage-style IMO, and right up my alley.

Pardon the OT post.. Just something sorta-kinda the same, but different.. Hopefully, I'll have more updates on the French goat soon...

 

[Technonut]

As posted, I asked Steve for a G-1 style inside pocket, as his particular vintage version had none, like the A-2. I was VERY happy to see that it's going to work out :



Shouldn't be much longer now.. There's just something exciting about a bespoke jacket made exactly to my measurements (or any other article of clothing for that matter). I can't wait to see it completed..

 

[Technonut]

Looks like the zipper / pockets are installed, and the lining to follow. I should have the jacket sometime next week... Can't wait to slip it on, and see / handle the grainy, outstanding looking, French russet goat in-person.

Steve did a great job reinforcing the leather zipper tabs to install a small nipple-snap. Not true to the original, but the snap is well hidden, and will give an overall neater appearance when the jacket is zipped-up.





Hopefully, the next set of update pics will be of the completed jacket....

 

[nick123]

That pocket is beautiful.

 

[Technonut]

That pocket is beautiful.

They did turn out nicely. The pockets / flaps / scallops really makes-it-or-breaks-it for me in this type of jacket. Another update from Steve arrived... WOW! The grain on this goat is just perfect for me. Can't wait to see it in person.

This project is now nearing completion. Just a couple more things to do, and it will be flying my way... Again, I have to say it's been a true pleasure working with Steve, and his attention to detail..

 

[eugenesque]

Been reading every post with great interest. Sounds like a good story unraveling. Keep it comin!

 

[nick123]

That goatskin is just perfect in my book. Great color. Maybe my favorite leather/color shade out there. Congrats congrats congrats!

 

[Bunyip]

That's brilliant! Go Steve!!!

 

[Technonut]

That goatskin is just perfect in my book. Great color. Maybe my favorite leather/color shade out there. Congrats congrats congrats!

Thanks! Steve certainly hit the jackpot with his 'French Goat Connection'.. I really like how the jacket came-out. The contrast between the russet goat and knits is pretty sweet as well. I will be stalking the mail-man this week for sure.

All that's left is for the buttons to be sewn on:

EDIT: Buttons installed, and bottom wind-flap snap finished.. Remaining balance paid.. Looks like this jacket is a wrap, and will be on it's way to me.. Fit pics and hands-on review coming soon..

 

[Bunyip]

Great stuff!

 

[Cocker]

Looks like a trully amazing jacket! Can't wait to see the review and fit pics!

 

[Technonut]

Should be here day after tomorrow...

 

[Skyhawk]

Looks excellent! I think most of us can relate to that note. I have left similar notes for delivery and been afraid to leave the house because I may miss it. I have literally chased down a UPS truck to grab a missed jacket delivery. That guy must have thought I was a nut but he handed over my jacket.

Congrats on a fine looking jacket! Looking forward to the fit pics!

 

[Technonut]

Here's another pic I ran across showing that the AN-J-3 did indeed make it further than the Clothing Branch of the Aero Medical Laboratory:

EDIT: Here's another: