My last M-422/M-422A/AN-J-3A/G-1 etc (maybe) - Sheeley

[Lord Flashheart]

Reading back through the A-2 thread Tim started here I thought, in all conscience, a bit of full disclosure and a little widening of the threads was due. At the height of lockdown in 2020 I thought (as Ausreenactor put it) "live like there is no tomorrow gents" and put in an order with Dave Sheeley for a USN jacket that looked interesting, a bit different and top notch. I received a fine Switlik M-422 repro last year from Dave which has become "the flying jacket I'll be buried in". This was the Switlik repro in the pics below when I received it and I'm sure @B-Man2 will forgive me the modest smile.

In conversation here about navy flying and jackets with Dave @Maverickson he also talked a bit about the AN-J-3A's he does. Clearly the Wizard of Virginia Beach knows how to make the jacket magic fly. And for a while now I've been back in the queue. Right now a Monarch AN-J-3A floats my boat but his W&G AN-J-3A in horsehide is something you won't see every day ...

 

[ausreenactor]

Wow.... just Wow!

 

[Lord Flashheart]

The Wizard has worked his magic again. Here's Dave Sheeleys Monarch AN-J-3A.It is just superb and the nicest bit of goat I have. Pleased would be an understatement.Thank you Dave !

 

[CK90]

The Wizard has worked his magic again. Here's Dave Sheeleys Monarch AN-J-3A.It is just superb and the nicest bit of goat I have. Pleased would be an understatement.Thank you Dave !


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Very, very nice sir. Beautiful texture as well as colour on this one. Need some fit pics ASAP!

 

[coolhandluke]

It is just superb and the nicest bit of goat I have.

Agree 1000%. I can't even put into words how comfortable my Sheeley Monarch AN-J-3A is in this hide.

 

[B-Man2]

Dave makes some beautiful USN jackets . His choices of colors of hides , mouton and knits all come together and compliment each other in outrageously beautiful works of art jackets.

 

[Lord Flashheart]

Agree 1000%. I can't even put into words how comfortable my Sheeley Monarch AN-J-3A is in this hide.

Spot on Luke. This is really, really, comfortable straight out of the box.

 

[Micawber]

That's a rather splendid jacket Phil, hopefully you will be wearing same when we meet soon for a pint or two soon!

 

[Lord Flashheart]

Absolutely Steve - getting to some good weather for a snifter at The Fox perhaps. I'm sure the locals can tolerate some jacket chat.

 

[Micawber]

Absolutely Steve - getting to some good weather for a snifter at The Fox perhaps. I'm sure the locals can tolerate some jacket chat.

I'm sure they can, as a matter of fact SWMBO and I called in there yesterday and No1 son and I called in today too

 

[Lorenzo_l]

The Wizard has worked his magic again. Here's Dave Sheeleys Monarch AN-J-3A.It is just superb and the nicest bit of goat I have. Pleased would be an understatement.Thank you Dave !


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That jacket is an outerwear work of art. Dave Shelley is a master of his craft. Please post a fit pic and wear it in good health, Phil!

 

[Thomas Koehle]

Awesome!

Like the MONARCH over the SWITLIK coz of the graining and the color combo

 

[Nickb123]

It’s amazing. Has Dave surpassed GW? Friendly competition?

 

[Lord Flashheart]

Awesome!

Like the MONARCH over the SWITLIK coz of the graining and the color combo

I guess I would say this wouldn't I but they're both interestingly different. The novelty of the small M-422 contract size led me to the Switlik and it's a really great all rounder with some quirky details but the leather will take much more wear without batting an eyelid. It's just starting to develop a bit of character. The Monarch though cries out to be worn from the off.

I think we're lucky to have such top flight makers offering these bespoke reproductions with the skills and eye for detail that takes. It is craftsmanship.

 

[mulceber]

Just got word from Dave that he’s finished the Navy jacket I placed an order for a while back. Looking forward to taking delivery of it.

Aviators Clothing Co. (i.e. Aero Leather) 55J14:

 

[saucerfiend]

Just got word from Dave that he’s finished the Navy jacket I placed an order for a while back. Looking forward to taking delivery of it.

Aviators Clothing Co. (i.e. Aero Leather) 55J14:
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Really looks nice! Mouton looks fantastic as does the goatskin.

 

[Nickb123]

Cool stencil peeking out there too!

 

[mulceber]

Cool stencil peeking out there too!

 

[Dany McDonald]

Eye candy!!!! That Monarch and Aviator Clothing together on the same page is freaking nice.

 

[CBI]

looking great