M445 jackets

[mulceber]

It's amazing how some ANJ-4s look relatively light. Lighter than most modern reproductions.
If one day I buy an ANJ-4 (it's bound to happen one day...), I'd like it to look like the one I circled in the picture.
If I kindly ask to Aero Leather, is it possible to use a softer and lighter sheepskin ? Has this been done before ?

View attachment 49729

The Eastman Poughkeepsie AN-J-4 is made in a lighter-weight shearling. If I recall, it’s about the thickness of a B-6. That might be the one for you.

Type ANJ-4 :: Poughkeepsie Leather Coat Co. Contract 44-5125AP

Standardised on May 17th 1943 the ANJ-4 was the last model flight jacket to be made from sheepskin. As a replacement to the long-standing B-3 design, it did not enjoy such a long period of service; in less than a year it would itself be superseded by a new generation of pile-lined, fabric flight...

www.eastmanleather.com

 

[s4rmark]

The ELC Poughkeepsie AN-J-4 is not that light, it’s about the same weight as the Perry B-3.

 

[mulceber]

That's fair - I just have Eastman's site to go on.

 

[Kermit3D]

The ELC Poughkeepsie AN-J-4 is really beautiful... but it's really expensive. The ANJ-4 sold by Aero Leather seems to be better for the money.
But I feel that the Aero collar is really big compared to some of the original models in the photo.

I think it's the thickness and length of the sheep hair (I don't know how to say it well in English).
Maybe an ANJ-4 Aero Leather (not to large size) with a shorter hair length would be the solution ?

As the ELC website seems to suggest, the hair length depends on the contract. So it's probably historically correct to have a short haired ANJ-4.

 

[Kermit3D]

The proportions of Goodwear's AJN-4 are perfect IMHO.

https://www.goodwearleather.com/photos/ANJ4_Aero_44/

 

[mulceber]

If you like the GW, I’d say go for it. You won’t find a better jacket out there, and if you pay the $200 deposit soon, JC will likely be done making it by the time you’re ready to buy.

 

[s4rmark]

The ELC Poughkeepsie is as Kermit 3D says “ a beautiful jacket “ but it is built like a tank and is tiring to wear for long periods. I would think that the Aero

Version would be more of an easier jacket to wear due to their softer and non broken grain sheepskin.

 

[Kermit3D]

The ELC Poughkeepsie is as Kermit 3D says “ a beautiful jacket “ but it is built like a tank and is tiring to wear for long periods. I would think that the Aero View attachment 49732Version would be more of an easier jacket to wear due to their softer and non broken grain sheepskin.

It confirms the impression I had about the ELC's ANJ-4.
But on this photo it looks good on you (I'm sure the sheep in the background don't agree with that) !

If you like the GW, I’d say go for it. You won’t find a better jacket out there, and if you pay the $200 deposit soon, JC will likely be done making it by the time you’re ready to buy.

The question is not only to be able to buy this jacket, but also to know how much you are willing to pay for it.
I don't know how much an ANJ-4 from Goodwear can cost. Maybe $1800 (maybe more) ? plus shipping, plus customs taxes... that would be a total of about $2300, and 1 year or more waiting...

I love the ANJ-4 but I'm not ready for that, even for a Goodwear.
For the moment (that may change) the jacket made by Aero seems to be the best option.

The second hand option is also possible.... this forum offers so many temptations (I would never have imagined buying an A-2 jacket so quickly...) !

 

[John Lever]

Aero already uses soft skins

 

[Griffon_301]

The Poughkeepsie ANJ-4 from ELC looks like that...
If I get me one oneday, I might stick to John's recommendation though and go the Aeroleather way....

 

[bfd70]

just for grins.

 

[bseal]

Probably should be in the sale section. Regardless, seems on point. Enjoy.

“The sheepskin is comfortable and flexible, easy to wear.”

Good Wear Leather Coat Company — Sale Willis & Geiger M-445B Jacket

www.goodwearleather.com

 

[mulceber]

Probably should be in the sale section. Regardless, seems on point. Enjoy.

“The sheepskin is comfortable and flexible, easy to wear.”

Good Wear Leather Coat Company — Sale Willis & Geiger M-445B Jacket

www.goodwearleather.com

Maybe not in the sale section, but it's been covered.

Couple interesting offerings on the GW sales page

Seems like we're all thinking about Navy jackets this holiday season. https://www.goodwearleather.com/pages/sale_foster7823_0004.html https://www.goodwearleather.com/pages/sale_wg_m445b_0001.html

www.vintageleatherjackets.org