Code: J27462
Jacket, Winter, Flying, AN-6553 - AN-J-4. By The Arnoff Shoe Co. Inc. Bristol Mfg. Corp. Size believed to be 36R. (physically measures 21" pit to pit laid flat and zipped so should fit approximately 36-38" chest). Standardised for use by the AAF and USN in 1943, the AN-6553 jacket, more commonly known by its specification as the AN-J-4, was manufactured in 3/4" shearling with the usual dark brown dyed lacquered polyacrylate finish. Like the B-3 jacket, this also had large horeshide leather reinforcement patches sewn onto the sleeves. It had a single full length front zip and two lower patch pockets with press studded flaps. Small adjustable buckled straps were fitted at the waist on each side and knitted wristlets concealed within the leather cuffs.
The overall appearance is very good with the jacket retaining much of the original finish and remaining free of any significant cracking and surface peeling so common to American shearling. The leather is generally very sound, flexible and damage free. There is surface wear and some variation in colour/patination, a small puncture on the lower part of the left arm and some restitching of the right centre armpit seam - see photographs. The side straps and pockets are good. Both cuffs had been turned back on themselves to reduce arm length so are quite creased, the knitted wristlet in the right cuff is largely complete but has split at the end. The left cuff appears to have been fitted with a completely different cotton wristlet as shown. The collar strap remains in place although one of the press studs is absent. The lining has minor bare patches including one on the collar but these do not really detract. Complete with rather worn woven label. Fitted with what appears to be a period 'Lightning' brand replacement zip. This doesn't look too out of place and works fine but can be a little stiff to engage at the bottom so care should be taken. Overall, a very solid jacket in much better condition than most found today. Stock code J27462.
Approximate sizes: pit to pit 21", collar/neck seam to waist 24.5", shoulder to cuff 24", centre pit seam to cuff 18.5", centre pit seam to waist 12.5", lower pit seam to waist 11".
