AN-J-3 questions

[Abyss]

Hi all,

I'm starting to take an interest in AN-J-3 contract/pattern (? - not even sure it is correct to call them contracts since they were never officially issued) jackets. The gussets with bi-swing back and no mouton fur collar seems like a very nice combination. I've read the Navy jacket guide (many times, actually!) about this jacket and searched the forum for previous posts. It's a fascinating story and I still have some questions.

How many different manufacturers made an AN-J-3? I know of Monarch and Willis & Geiger. Were there any others?

It seems like examples have been found in both horse hide and goat hide. Does anyone know which was more common?

Which set of feature combination was the most common - internal wind flap/no epaulets, external wind flap/epaulets, or some other combo?

Thank you all for reading! I appreciate any insights the forum can provide.

 

[Abyss]

I have one additional question.

Has anyone ever owned, seen, or have pictures of a Willis & Geiger AN-J-3 with the internal wind flap and no epaulets?

 

[mulceber]

How many different manufacturers made an AN-J-3? I know of Monarch and Willis & Geiger. Were there any others?

Probably, but those are the two names I've heard.

It seems like examples have been found in both horse hide and goat hide. Does anyone know which was more common?

I've only ever seen/heard of goat being used.

Which set of feature combination was the most common - internal wind flap/no epaulets, external wind flap/epaulets, or some other combo?

Hard to say, but I've found it very difficult to find present-day pictures of anything but the W&G external storm flap/epaulets combination

 

[flyincowboy]

just got a few pics of ANJ3 with epaulet and windflap and love the concept. look more practical with the internal pocket B swing and the gussets..

 

[Abyss]

Thank you mulceber and flyincowboy! Very helpful information. Much appreciated! I'm becoming a big fan of the AN-J-3.

 

[B-Man2]

just got a few pics of ANJ3 with epaulet and windflap and love the concept. look more practical with the internal pocket B swing and the gussets..


View attachment 171347View attachment 171349View attachment 171351
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Puts a whole new perspective to the term “War Time Fit “

 

[flyincowboy]

Yes indeed Remember that the guy wear a high waisted pant and the jacket is open...which make it look longer.

 

[Chandler]

Puts a whole new perspective to the term “War Time Fit “

I think it's more than that. Look at the bagginess in the sleeves -- they gave the model a jacket 2 or 3 sizes too big.

I remember seeing that picture about 20 years ago and thinking they must have only had one jacket and one model for the photo shoot.

 

[STEVE S.]

I have one additional question.

Has anyone ever owned, seen, or have pictures of a Willis & Geiger AN-J-3 with the internal wind flap and no epaulets?

Here’s the one I reproduced a few yrs ago. It’s essentially a navy jacket without the fur collar.

 

[Abyss]

Thanks, Steve! That jacket looks great!

 

[33-1729]

Here’s the one I reproduced a few yrs ago. It’s essentially a navy jacket without the fur collar.

A great looking jacket!

By far the best candidate of an AN-J-3 in the wild is in a photograph on The Flight Jacket Gallery from John Chapman (VintagePhoto1.jpg and below). Instructor jackets are typically not military issue, but this one looks like the real deal. And as with a joint Army/Navy jacket it's not a total surprise this person is in the Army Air Force.