FiveStar Leather Looking for Recommendations on M-445A Jacket

[John Lever]

Just look at short zip version Anj4' s they are the same apart from goatskin trim.
I do have a McCoys m445a in my collection.

 

[Kermit3D]

I am quite ignorant about this kind of jacket. From what I understand, the ANJ-4 is a jacket for the USAAF (fighter pilots and bomber crews), and the M-445A is a jacket for the US Navy (fighter pilots and bomber crews operating over the Atlantic ocean against kriegsmarine), right?

 

[John Lever]

I am quite ignorant about this kind of jacket. From what I understand, the ANJ-4 is a jacket for the USAAF (fighter pilots and bomber crews), and the M-445A is a jacket for the US Navy (fighter pilots and bomber crews operating over the Atlantic ocean against kriegsmarine), right?

Correct except there are 2 versions of anj4, long zip and short zip. Only one version of m445a

 

[Saint-ex]

I am quite ignorant about this kind of jacket. From what I understand, the ANJ-4 is a jacket for the USAAF (fighter pilots and bomber crews), and the M-445A is a jacket for the US Navy (fighter pilots and bomber crews operating over the Atlantic ocean against kriegsmarine), right?

Almost !

ANJ means Army Navy Jacket.

ANJ-3 was supposed to remplace A-2 and M422 and ANJ-4 replace B-3 and M445/M444.
It was in order to rationalize and standardize the equipment to avoid having 2 ranges in parallel.

 

[Pilot]

Correct except there are 2 versions of anj4, long zip and short zip. Only one version of m445a

Mint M445 Monarch pictures

The jacket looks brand new. It even has the factory paper tag sewn inside the pocket. I pecarded it and everything is still pretty strong on this jacket. It really looks brand new. Never seen a Navy shearling jacket in such great condition.

www.vintageleatherjackets.org

M-445 Navy Jacket thta belonged to ace Floyd C. Kirkpatrick

I lucked out on my last M-445 jacket purchase. The listing did not say but it was named to Ace Floyd C. Kirkpatrick. Kirkpatrick was the CO of VMF-441 at Okinawa. On April the 15th he shot down 3 Vals. He was an ace by the end of May and finished the war with 5.5 kills. THis jacket is in great...

www.vintageleatherjackets.org

WWII USN Shearling M-445 Repair or Not?

I was lucky to pick this one up today. It is not yet here with me, so all I have is these low res photos. It looks pretty mint except for the tiny hole near the buckle. I am considering having it repaired. has anyone heard of Without A Trace in Chicago? http://www.withoutatrace.com/leather.html...

www.vintageleatherjackets.org

 

[John Lever]

Some photos of my m445 in Gallery

 

[Brent]

Nice, something to compare. Thanks for posting them up.

Regards,

 

[John Lever]

Can anyone spot something not right here?
I must admit I didn't notice the issue

for several weeks

 

[Pilot]

Buttons and full length zip?

 

[John Lever]

Buttons and full length zip?

Look higher up.....

 

[ausreenactor]

Pocket flaps don't match..

 

[John Lever]

The arm panels are sewn into the shoulder seams like a b3. A mistake I think.

 

[Pilot]

I learned a few things...Thx.
Happy to only own WW2 original AN-J-4‘s

 

[John Lever]

Must have been a very difficult task, doubled over sheepskin and horsehide all in one seam.
Should have kept it , it only cost 350 gbp......nwt !

 

[flyincowboy]

Yes wondering if a "" walking foot" sewing machine been used?

 

[917_k]

If Shawn wants to get his hands on one there’s a slightly ropey AN-J-4 on eBay at the moment:

VINTAGE WWII USAAF AN-J-4 FLYING JACKET FLIGHT PILOT B-3 SHEEPSKIN SHEARLING | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for VINTAGE WWII USAAF AN-J-4 FLYING JACKET FLIGHT PILOT B-3 SHEEPSKIN SHEARLING at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[busdrivermike]

Yes wondering if a "" walking foot" sewing machine been used?

Most likely, It would really be the only way to feed through layers avoiding slippage and bunching
I have a walking foot machine, it will sew through 8 layers Of patio umbrella material
Found it at a thrift store for $80 , spent $ 100 to give it a service making Sure its all
Good, it’s a {portable} If your a gorilla, machine all metal
Once the snow hits gonna try some projects, like a leather hoodie.

 

[flyincowboy]

Ha ha nice ! here is a picture of my trusty ADLER 167 73 at the shop.

 

[Brent]

Hate to turn Shawn's M-445A thread into a sewing machine thread but here is one of many.

Regards,

 

[Shawn Ali]

Jan,

I think the enlarged collar is not too wide, but the shape is off. I tried to figure out why, but being no expert in these types of jackets, I have reached my limits pretty soon...

What I noticed is that original collar seem to be more rounded, and none of them "rides up" in the back of the neck (here compared to Shaw's "old" collar shape):

View attachment 45334

They seem to lie down rather flat:

View attachment 45335
This original collar shows a downward curve on the upper and lower line, while Shawn's jacket is the exact opposite. Maybe this is the same, when the jacket is worn...as I said, I do not really know what the problem is.

Ties

I will post some more images of the collar, as I am also working on Label development and some other pattern details.

Shawn