A-2 to AN-J-3A Conversion (skips the AN-J-3)

[33-1729]

Since we have the Smithsonian photo reference number I’ll send them a note to see if they can provide any more information on the jacket or any more photographs. At this point it looks like one (1) confirmed military issue AN-J-3 photo in post #35 above and then a lot of others. I'm not certain what to make of the others yet. Hopefully the Smithsonian can supply some insight.

 

[Chandler]

There is also a version with an A-2 style windflap and epaulettes-see this thread from 2019.

AN-j-3: epaulettes or no?

Hey gang, I need a little more clarification on a proper AN-J-3. I’ve been doing some research into them and it seems one, the J3, is basically a G-1 with a leather collar. The other version had more of the features of an A-2. And that is where the confusion comes in. I was basically wanting to...

www.vintageleatherjackets.org

You have to wonder how many cooks had their spoons in that "prototype."

 

[33-1729]

With an AN Inspection stamp the military issue was a significant, well-defined, contract (think thousand(s)).

 

[MikeyB-17]

Enough have turned up over the years to support that-they’re not common, but they’re around. If only a few were made, they’d be rare as rocking horse excreta. Only thing that’s rare is labels.