Custom ANJ4 makers

[deeds]

So I'd like to have an ANJ4 made for me but with some amendments to the usual specs.
Merino fleece, two way zipper and buttons on the bottom like Aero or Eastman do sometimes.

Can you suggest any top quality makers that would be worth talking to?

 

[Guppy]

Lost Worlds, Aero. I don't think Eastman would do customizations like you're looking for, but they make a good ANJ4.

 

[deeds]

Lost Worlds, Aero. I don't think Eastman would do customizations like you're looking for, but they make a good ANJ4.

Pretty sure Lost Worlds is a no go.
Gave him a call couple years ago about fitting and he was pretty firm about "we make it the way we make it, no mods, no changes to length of sleeves or any design changes". I had originally called about fitting because my waist is very narrow and shoulders wide but he basically said no we don't do any customisation.

 

[Bfd70]

Can get a 5star n445a for $400
I’d argue that lost worlds anj4 is the most bomb proof jacket in the world but unless you live in the arctic it will take 2 lifetimes to break in. Aero’s are wearable out of the box.

 

[thor]

You can check out U.S. Authentic (FlightJackets.com)
They make both an AN-J-4 and the somewhat similar M-444. Nice quality but not 100% accurate. They will customize it any way you want, super fast service & delivery if you are in The States.

 

[John Lever]

Aero

 

[deeds]

Thanks guys. I'll give LW a shot again, maybe the guy was jut not having a great day.
Ill Give aero a call too.

 

[deeds]

Alternatively, if a manufacturer isn't willing to make the zip mods I want, is there a person/place in either Europe or America that you would trust to change the zip on your jacket?

 

[John Lever]

What zip mods ?

 

[tmitchell59]

Dave Sheeley knows these jackets. I will post his email after I find it!

he advertises on ebay

https://www.ebay.com/itm/401735533123?hash=item5d894dc243:g:RfoAAOSwyCZbg0Gz

 

[Sloan1874]

I doubt Aero will do a two-way zip. They're a relatively recent development ie post-1960, which goes against Aero's MO.
I would go with the short zip versions of ANJ, it ends with double buttons at the hem which do roughly the same job as a double zipper ie making it easier for you to sit down.
I had one of Aero's ANJs for a few years but it was such a serious piece of kit that it only came into play when the mercury dropped out of the bottom of the thermometer. Eventually, I traded back to Aero for a redskin D-1 jacket, a lighter but still very warm jacket, which I wear all through winter. Much as I loved the ANJ-4, I don't regret the exchange.

 

[Aloysius]

Aero

Lever is the man when it comes to this jacket, so I'd trust his judgment here.

Dave Sheeley knows these jackets. I will post his email after I find it!

he advertises on ebay

https://www.ebay.com/itm/401735533123?hash=item5d894dc243:g:RfoAAOSwyCZbg0Gz

Sheeley is incredible, and I plan to get one of his flight jackets at some point, but that listing mentions the ANJ-3 (which is like an A-2 with the mobility features of the naval jackets) not the ANJ-4. He's also on here as @Maverickson ; I'm not sure he makes fur jackets but you can ask.

 

[John Lever]

Ironheart do a good looking Anj4 with a two way zip

 

[deeds]

What zip mods ?

A double zip i guess it would be called? You can zip up the jacket and unzip it from the bottom. I do this quite often on some parkas and such that i have when its too warm around the stomach and waist but still keeps the upper chest shoulders and neck warm and protected.
Figure it would be a way to comfortably wear the ANJ$ in less than -20c

 

[deeds]

Ironheart do a good looking Anj4 with a two way zip

let me take a look. Thanks for the tip

 

[Fireflame]

Ironheart do a good looking Anj4 with a two way zip

Yeah, Iron heart does have a great looking Anj4 you might like