WW2 US NAVY – AN-J-3A LEATHER PILOT FLIGHT JACKET – MONARCH – NAMED – VERY NICE!

You are bidding on an EXCELLENT and VERY RARE example of WW2 US Navy AN-J-3A Leather Flight Jacket! Made by Monarch Manufacturing, this specific contract was produced between February and August 1944.The US Navy's Bureau of Aeronautics (BuAero) first issued the M-422 jacket to aviators in 1938. These jackets were the first American piece of uniform to be used in combat, being worn by the famous Flying Tigers, pilots of the American Volunteer Group which started operations in April 1941 in China. The USN specification required seal brown goatskin with a reddish brown mouton (lamb's wool) collar and rib-rack cuffs with single layer waistband.The Monarch An-J-3A variant featured a Seam running down back of liner (Monarch is the only manufacturer to do this); Wind Flap ends about 1″ short of bottom of jacket; Tall Pockets with well-scalloped flaps; Front Panels that wrap around the back, where they are sewn under the panels of the bi-swing back; an Inside Pocket built into the leather facings (unlike earlier Monarchs); a Single-Stitched Back-Belt (much like other makers, but unlike Monarch's earlier contracts)' and a Black 'US' stencil.Made by Monarch ManufacturingCo. under contract No. N288s-20570? (dating between February and August 1944) ofleather goatskin, a mouton collar, and wool cuffs, this item is in VERY NICE used condition! Some marks and wear, but nothing that detracts. Cuffs show some holes and tears from use in combat, but that is quite typical for the age. Main zip is the original TALON, but it is missing the pull tab. Buttons are missing from the pockets, but those are easy to replace. A Name Patch is affixed to the chest, featuring the Navy Reserve Wings, and the name, 'R.J. COVELL'. Back of collar features a prominent 'US'.Manufacture label is still present on the interior, however the size tag has faded (appears to be around a 36″) Still fully lined with the original rayon!Please do not contact me for specific measurements (arm length, sleeve, shoulder, etc.), as these were not custom tailored – if you are a 36″ chest, then this is what you were issued. I have shown this EXACT type of jacket being worn in the last images. A PERFECT addition to any collection or display!