Ah Good Wear goodness!

[Aeroga]

That's what 'we' do.

One key thing that I have learnt from this forum is regret often follows the decision of thinning the herd. So I figured better be very careful in buying and so far haven't had any need of selling any jacket. I hope it stays this way

 

[Nickb123]

No clue how I missed this being an AN-J-3. My eyes told my brain AN-6552. Whoops!

 

[Aeroga]

No clue how I missed this being an AN-J-3. My eyes told my brain AN-6552. Whoops!

I am not the expert but design of these two are very similar with the AN-J-3A being made in horsehide. May be others can chime in?

 

[Aeroga]

It is probably no surprise to you but I have been wearing the jacket since its arrival, despite my significant other's persistent asks to take it off. As a result, the leather has been relaxed (and so is wife) and now better conforms to my body shape. I really dig the bi-swing, it is just so more easier to move compared to A-2!

The hide is russet shinki that John had once procured but proved to be too light to the liking of many customers. These old hides certainly have some deep and serious grains. The leather has been dyed by hand into a chocolate brown so that in time wear will reveal the lighter colors, especially in high friction points. Coupled with a vintage mouton and NOS blacked Talon zipper, the color scheme is consistent with the surviving historical pieces I have seen. I was given the option of red knits but preferred the seal knits with a hint of purple. Interestingly, the rasion colored thread is nylon which appeared to be the choice of material at that point in time, and soon to be replaced by cotton as nylon materials were used for the production of parachutes.

Here comes the fit pics:

And a more casual look...

 

[SuinBruin]

That's the ####, fits you very well.

 

[B-Man2]

Looks good....,

 

[RudyN]

That jacket is something else> I have an A@ from John and his work is outstanding.

 

[ausreenactor]

Sure thing, here you goView attachment 39898

Clever..

 

[stanier]

Clever..

Stunning jacket, you're a lucky (and patient) man. And another rarity is it's a size 38, don't think John can have made many 38's in any jacket!

I'd have one in a heartbeat if it wasn't for the wait.

If you don't mind me asking, and if not too much trouble, what does a 38 measure pit to pit, and how long did you wait? What leather is it? Sorry for the (slightly cheeky) questions....

 

[ausreenactor]

I've only had three GW A-2s. 44s and a 42.

 

[Aeroga]

Stunning jacket, you're a lucky (and patient) man. And another rarity is it's a size 38, don't think John can have made many 38's in any jacket!

I'd have one in a heartbeat if it wasn't for the wait.

If you don't mind me asking, and if not too much trouble, what does a 38 measure pit to pit, and how long did you wait? What leather is it? Sorry for the (slightly cheeky) questions....

Thanks Stanier! John caters to different sizes (and body shapes) but the size labels are limited to the popular ones, the size labels on my GW show 38 and 40 whilst I am really a 36/38 (probably a minority in his clientele). John has captured my body measurements pretty accurately given the gradual adjustment/fine-tuning every time he made me a new jacket. That does give more assurance for a good fit for as long as my measurements don't change drastically.

To be honest I never counted the wait as I just put in a deposit after a jacket is made, wait for him to reach out and repeat.

Pit to Pit of this jacket is around 52cm if it helps.

 

[bn1966]

That jackets amazing...

 

[SuinBruin]

And people at the hat place wonder why we're GW fanboys.... that jacket is stunning.

 

[ButteMT61]

@Aeroga - that could not be better! Wow, it's just a stunning jacket and the fit is outstanding!

 

[YoungMedic]

Gorgeous

 

[CBI]

wow!!!!!

 

[johnwayne]

Now that’s how an M422/a/G1/AN-J-3 should fit! JC’s yer man, once again, always comes up trumps.

 

[Sweetfights]

Exceptional- Congratulations.

 

[Pilot]

Again, quality and a bit of more $$ investment pays off...despite all the low cost trends... High Class remains High Class!
GW, still unmatched.! regardless!
Congrats to the owner