From the G&B site:The Army Air Force developed the AN-J-3 in 1943 under a joint Army-Navy effort to standardize military clothing. "AN" meant it was for both the Army and the Navy. "J" showed it was a jacket, and "3" stood for the third jacket developed under the program. The AN-J-3 was a good-looking flight jacket, but the Air Force bought only a few. A Navy version, called the AN-J-3a, was almost identical to the M-422 and was issued to Naval aviators for years. After buying a few thousand AN-J-3s, the Air Force abandoned leather flight clothing completely, switching to new fabrics such as nylon and polyester. The Airforce AN-J-3 combined the features of the A-2 and the M-422. All AN-J-3s had the M-422's action back, underarm gussets, rib-rack knit waistband, and button pockets as well as the A-2's collar without the snaps or hook-and-eye. Some had the A-2 epaulets and storm flap while others had the M-422's storm flap, inside chart pocket, and pencil slot under the left pocket flap. Gibson & Barnes' AN-J-3 jacket features the best features of the Air Force AN-J-3. It has an action back, underarm gussets, rib-rack knit waistband with rib knit cuffs, button-flap pockets, epaulets, outside storm flap, and the leather collar without snaps or hook-and-eye. The AN-J-3 is made from drum-dyed, lightly pigmented, glazed goatskin, giving it the same look and feel as a World War II original. It also has the same comfortable brown twill lining, pure wool waistand and cuffs, and size 5 nickel zipper with bell pull and leather thong.
If I were to buy an ANJ-3 jacket, I would give serious consideration to the Gibson & Barnes' version, likely in seal brown rather than dark brown(personal preference). The ANJ-3 provides the gusseted underarms and action back to facilitate movement without the restriction of the A-2. I own a G&B A-2 and Expedition jackets and can verify that G&B makes top notch stuff, and their customer service and repair is also top notch. I think I recall that their zippers carry a lifetime warranty. Whenever I grab a jacket on the fly during mild Texas cool weather, it seems to be either my G&B Expedition or A-2 more often than not.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.