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AVI LTHR's ANJ-3 Flight Jacket pics & review

Brettafett

Well-Known Member
AVI's new ANJ-3
AVI ANJ-3 42 1.jpg

This is their 'take' on the 1943 ANJ-3, essentially their M-422 with a leather collar, epaulets, regular left pocket and brown rayon lining.
As AVI says, its... "what they would have supplied the Quartermaster if they were producing jackets back in 1943"...
Its damn comfortable, like their M-422A.
AVI ANJ-3 42 2.jpg

Appears to have a mid brown thread, which contrasts beautifully with the darker seal goat.
This slightly darker seal goat is the same as used on the G-1, and feels relatively pliable, 'gives' and still feels bullet-proof. No squeaking.
It arrived with lots of grain and character, ready for action.
Seal brown knits with the the single ply, rib rack waistband as on the M-422A.
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All other details are the same as the M-422A, but this is likely to be more useable all year round, sans the fur collar.
Usual good workmanship, stitching is neat & tidy and all the panels align.
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I was interested to see the collar. From pics Ive seen, it appears the collars are slightly larger on some original ANJ-3s.
AVI's done a fantastic job here. I love this collar! Not too big, not too small, its well-proportioned. It has a classic profile and works well with the jacket.
Very basic label, perhaps something to get creative with and update down the line.
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I think this jacket is going to spin people around. Its the best of the A-2 and the G-1 designs, very comfortable and practical.
The bi-swing back is just such a phenomenal design feature. The ANJ is arguably the most 'evergreen' leather flight jacket... Wearable across all seasons.
But does it retain that 'mystique' of the classic A-2 or G-1? Perhaps it is its own pedigree... Each to their own I guess.
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This is a size 42 with a bit added to the sleeves (on request) and its a good fit for me. As with the M-422a, I would recommend going up at least one size from your actual chest size.
It feels a touch 'easier' in the chest than my M-422A, which is a good thing. Its hardly noticeable, but lifting arms out, I can feel it. Likely, due to usual variances for hand-made jackets.
Although it feels well-made and sturdy, the jacket is light enough and feels to be about the same weight as my original Star G-1, old ELC and AVI's M-422A, noticeably lighter than the Cockpit G-1.
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As it says on AVI's description... For those of you who sit a lot (Im wearing it as I write this)... In cars or at desks.... Who might find the A-2 a bit restrictive with arms lifted or outstretched for periods of time, or feel the fur collar gets a bit warm on the neck in the warmer months... Or who want something 'different' to add to the collection... This is something to consider.
For some, this could be the only flight jacket they would ever need. Its a cool-as-beans jacket for sure.
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For those unawares, who want to know more about the type and its place in the history of flight jackets, this is a great resource in one place... (big thanks to those involved)
“A Better Fighting Garment…” - A Beginner’s Guide to the US Navy’s WWII-era and later Intermediate Flight Jackets
https://www.vintageleatherjackets.org/threads/“a-better-fighting-garment…”-a-beginner’s-guide-to-the-us-navy’s-wwii-era-and-later-intermediate-flight-jackets.27377/

Thanks for reading.
 

coolhandluke

Well-Known Member
excellent info and a great jacket at a super price point

+1...it's only $269.31 USD shipped to buyers in the United States!

IMO, it's a significantly better looking pattern than Aero's AN-J-3. I questioned the use of epaulets at first, but the internal windflap and epaulet combo along with the shape of the collar is pretty killer looking.
 
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ties70

Well-Known Member
Great review and super-nice looking jacket, Brett!

If there is one thing I might address:
While I appreciate the confidence of AVI to brand their USN jackets with their own name, I would wish for a little bit more authenticity on their labels...

Does somebody around here have a source for G&F M-422a or original maker ANJ-3 reproduction labels?

Ties
 

Brettafett

Well-Known Member
Thanks everyone. Its nice to receive so much feedback.
Im sure Morten will see this, so any comments, suggestions are surely welcome.

@ties70 Regs the label, I think there's an opportunity to get creative there, yes. I would like to see an illustration of a plane or something retro looking.

I'll post some more comments and pics as I wear it in.
 

Brettafett

Well-Known Member
Grant posted this in the COOL thread, Lt Col James Clark 4th FG... and thought Id share it here also.
It begs the question, what is this? An ANJ variant?
Posted here, because it has the internal windflap (look how high up it goes) and epaulets, kinda like AVIs ANJ-3 (and I mean this in a relative terms - its far from the same).
Just highlights the variance of flight jackets back in '44
ANJ.jpg
 

MikeyB-17

Well-Known Member
Well he’s a pocket down on the deal……
Mmm. No throat latch, but it has got collar snaps. A-2 style waistband. Can’t see much of the back, but I can’t see any sign of a half belt and it doesn’t look like a bi-swing. I think it leans more towards A-2 than a Navy jacket. Private purchase?
 
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