G-1 and M422As

[Brettafett]

Hi guys,

I was wondering. I have not owned G-1s or M422As before, always had A-2s. Tried on a Cockpit G-1 today.
My question is about the waist knit.
As they generally have single weave waist knits, are they always so loose and floppy around the waist? (assuming normal waist line ;-)
I assume originals are the same...
Perhaps its just me, being used to tight A-2 knits, but this particular (new) jacket's waist knit seems so loose in comparison.
Enough so to make me reconsider purchasing one as it feels so weird....?
Thoughts please....

 

[Atticus Finch]

Hi guys,

I was wondering. I have not owned G-1s or M422As before, always had A-2s. Tried on a Cockpit G-1 today.
My question is about the waist knit.
As they generally have single weave waist knits, are they always so loose and floppy around the waist? (assuming normal waist line ;-)
I assume originals are the same...
Perhaps its just me, being used to tight A-2 knits, but this particular (new) jacket's waist knit seems so loose in comparison.
Enough so to make me reconsider purchasing one as it feels so weird....?
Thoughts please....

M-422s, M-422As and older series G-1s did have a single ply waist band which tended to lose elasticity with age. But these jackets are also cut more closely in the torso than is the A-2. So perhaps a loose waist band in a G-1 wouldn’t be as much of an issue as it would be in another style jacket.

AF

 

[bretron]

Some contracts did have the A2 style waist knits, eg the Bogen & Tanenbaum an6552. There's a couple more... I know John Chapman makes a Bogen, but it'll come at a hefty price. Keep an eye on the vintage market. USN flights seem to fetch about 1/3 or less of the price of a vintage a2.

 

[Fanch]

I believe recalling the reason for loose fitting knits on USN jackets is in case one has to ditch the plane after landing in water. :eeek:

 

[bretron]

Those navy guys worse pilots than their usaaf counterparts?! :lol:

 

[Fanch]

Nah - USN aviators can fly circles around USAF weenies. Ever see a USAF guy land on a carrier?

 

[Otter]

Anyone that can land on a carrier deck at night I will quite happily buy a beer for, scares the (adult langauge fileter removed) out of me!:eeek:

 

[Stearmen]

I thought all 442, 442a and early G1s came with rib-rack waistbands? It is the best looking waist band on any jacket. I have an original, never installed WWII surplus rib-rack waistband.

 

[triple-d]

nah - usn aviators can fly circles around usaf weenies. Ever see a usaf guy land on a carrier? :d

bingo......lol

 

[thor]

The Air Force has mere "pilots" while the Navy has AVIATORS!

 

[Fanch]

Need to include USMC and USCG aviators as well. USN, USMC and USCG all wear the G-1. I still prefer the ANJ-3, which is mostly a G-1 with a goatskin collar rather than mouton. The gusseted underarms and bi-swing back of the G-1 and ANJ-3 both provide far better freedom of movement than the A-2.

 

[Brettafett]

Need to include USMC and USCG aviators as well. USN, USMC and USCG all wear the G-1. I still prefer the ANJ-3, which is mostly a G-1 with a goatskin collar rather than mouton. The gusseted underarms and bi-swing back of the G-1 and ANJ-3 both provide far better freedom of movement than the A-2.

As much as I love the iconic A-2, I tend to agree. I am beginning to favor comfort and practicability... And the ANJ-3 oozes style and function. But some pics of repros I have seen the leather looks very boring and flat.
So, who make he best ANJ-3 repro????

 

[bretron]

Ain't nobody touching repro spec flight jackets like John Chapman. Goodnight

 

[Fanch]

As much as I love the iconic A-2, I tend to agree. I am beginning to favor comfort and practicability... And the ANJ-3 oozes style and function. But some pics of repros I have seen the leather looks very boring and flat.
So, who make he best ANJ-3 repro????

When I was visiting the G&B factory a couple of years ago, their rendition of the ANJ-3 was my favorite of all of the G&B jackets. Other than the G&B ANJ-3, I have no first hand experience as to who makes the best ANJ-3 repro. [huh] Aero makes an ANJ-3, and I believe I recall Sloan saying that he tried on one while he was recently visiting the Aero factory.

 

[Dr H]

.

 

[andyfalzon]

Perhaps this is of interest?

http://www.billkelsomfg.com/3d/an-j-3/

 

[Edward]

Aero have made a nice ANJ-3 in the past. I briefly owned one myself. Bought it used on eBay, but had to let it go (sold to another UK Lounger) as it was too small for me. I'm not sure how many are out there; I do recall being told it was a rare jacket. I don't think they have them in their catalogue currently, though wasn't at least one contract of the ANJ-3 basically an AN6552 without the mouton?

 

[Otter]

I have one of the older Aero ANJ-3's, superb jacket, it realy has developed a beautiful patina. Trouble is, I have become to big for it now! Must clean it up and get it on ebay. I found it more practical than an A-2 due to the extra movement that the bi-fold back allows.

 

[Sloan1874]

Fanch is right, I tried on Aero's ANJ-3, and it's really nice jacket, though I have no comparison to other makers' versions: the back-collar stitching is beautifully rendered along with the throat latch, the action back works perfectly and handily it had the inside pocket - I was sorely tempted to switch, but stuck with my A-2.

 

[Dr H]

.