Lost Worlds ANJ-4

[dmdmorris]

Does anyone have any real hands on experience with Lost Worlds ANJ-4.

http://www.lostworldsinc.com/ANJ-4_Sheepskin_Leather_Flight_Jacket.htm

I have one of their leather Pea Coats and was extremely impressed by the fit and quality, so no I'm thinking of ordering their ANJ-4.

Thanks

 

[dmdmorris]

Anyone?

 

[pauleway]

I don't know about LW, but Aero has a really nice one in size 42, and Cockpit has a very nice one also!

 

[dmdmorris]

Thanks Pauleway.

Unfortunately I'm a size 38

 

[Foster]

I think FL member John Lever is knowledgable on these jackets, I seem to recall a thread where he went into detail as the ANJ-4 is one of his favorite jackets.

 

[John Lever]

I think FL member John Lever is knowledgable on these jackets, I seem to recall a thread where he went into detail as the ANJ-4 is one of his favorite jackets.

Yes I did own one and very much regret selling it. Recently I had the opportunity to buy it back but the owner had painted the back. Sacrilege.
I think there may be issues with the availability of really good skins. My jacket was made from amazing sheepskin but the horsehide was totally characterless. I will post some shots later today.

 

[John Lever]

 

[dmdmorris]

John

Was that a Lost Worlds ANJ-4?

How did it feel vs. an Irvin or a B-6?

Looks great.

Thanks,

Dave

 

[John Lever]

John

Was that a Lost Worlds ANJ-4?

How did it feel vs. an Irvin or a B-6?

Looks great.

Thanks,

Dave

YES!!!!
It was heavier, very solid and tiring to wear after some time.

 

[pauleway]

Thanks Pauleway.

Unfortunately I'm a size 38

Size 38 is available on the Cockpit model, which I think is the nicer model. They are on sale now also!

 

[dmdmorris]

Pauleway,

Thanks. But aren't the Lost Worlds a better quality jacket?

Thanks

Dave

 

[dmdmorris]

Also FWIW I'll be selling my new Aces High Irvin, size 42. I will be putting it up on eBay in a few days.

Dave

 

[dmdmorris]

YES!!!!
It was heavier, very solid and tiring to wear after some time.

Thanks John,

I really appreciate the fast response, the pics and your insights.

This is probably the jacket I'm going to replace my Irvin with for winter wear.

Again, Thanks,

Dave

 

[Sloan1874]

Is there any particular reason you're replacing your Irvin, Dmd?

 

[dmdmorris]

Is there any particular reason you're replacing your Irvin, Dmd?

Hi Sloan!

Yes, I have lost some weight and intend to keep it off and as a result the jacket is too big on me. I think to try and have it altered to fit me would be a huge mistake, kinda like when the toothpaste is out of the tube, you can't get it back in. Also, when I ordered it, I must confess I really didn't have a sense of what size really fits me the best. This is no way a negative reflection upon Jon Wainright at Aces High, he did as I asked and produced a wonderful jacket. Now that I'm a little bit more knowledgeable regarding what fits and my real size, I know what size to order. I chalk this up to a an excersie in learning.

Dave

 

[Sloan1874]

It's funny how guys can go through life not really sure what size they really are or suits them. For years I bought 'medium' - a hangover from my teens when baggy was the thing - rather than 'small', which meant most of my clothing swamped me. Even my first few off-the-peg suits were 38s, basically because the guy who fitted me out with them said I was, when in fact I'm a 36. I can only surmise that 36 is not a common sizing, so it was easier to pour me into something a bit too big, adjust the cuffs and send me on my way. It took a proper tailor at Ede & Ravenscroft to fit me out properly, and when I got my first made-to-measure suit the difference was amazing.
Sorry to hear the Aces High didn't work out, they make a fantastic jacket and it comes at a price. I'm sure you'll get a decent return on it, which should dull some of the pain of it.
Craig

 

[Fletch]

It was heavier, very solid and tiring to wear after some time.

It's the Russian version: jacket wears you! lol

 

[dmdmorris]

Sloan,

Very true.

I have also come to learn that each manufacturer measures and cuts their jackets a bit deifferently, that is one manufactureres size 38 is totally different from another's 38 in the same jacket.

Also, I have learned that some of Aero Leather jackets have a unique character and cut to them and you really have to understand the jacket and your size. For example my Aero Leather 1930's Half belt (which is one of my favorite jackets! Which is in Steer and I LOVE the steer) is a very slim cut, so when I ordered it I went with a size 38 which fits me perfectly vs . their Hercules which is cut a bit larger. This in fact may be due to the model and style. I'm still learning.

What would be helpful, but I don't know if it's possible; is if someone were to post a really detailed comprehensive review/ how to size yourself for each manufacturer, but I suspect this would be almost an impossible task since each one has many different jackets. I guess the best thing is to consult with the manufacturer as they know their jackets the best, but sometimes that doesn't always work.

Dave



Dave

 

[HoosierDaddy]

The most simple way is to measure yourself as closely as possible. Find out 'exactly' where you want your sleeve to end (first thumb knuckle??)..and body length(a couple inches below belt??..or down to mid thigh??). Those measurements do exist and mean everything for a jacket manufacturer to do what they do..no matter what model you order. Untill you know just how you want your jacket to fit and talk it over with the maker...everyone else is just guessing.
HD

 

[dmdmorris]

The most simple way is to measure yourself as closely as possible. Find out 'exactly' where you want your sleeve to end (first thumb knuckle??)..and body length(a couple inches below belt??..or down to mid thigh??). Those measurements do exist and mean everything for a jacket manufacturer to do what they do..no matter what model you order. Untill you know just how you want your jacket to fit and talk it over with the maker...everyone else is just guessing.
HD

Hoosier,

I completely agree with you, but as a Neewbie it's difficult to measure yourself let alone really know where and how you want the jacket to drap. I am getting better, but it is definitely a learning process.

Thanks,

Dave