My new mess jacket has arrived. I got it on ebay for £39.00. It is Royal Navy by the rank insignia. The most important thing for me is that the sleeve length is right on. There is a couple of small holes beside one button hole.

Front;


Back;


Hole;


So the advice? I'm not Scottish so I'm not into the whole thistle button. I'll keep the brass anchor buttons. I may keep the lower rank bar and remove the upper. I am Coast Guard Auxiliary and my unit rank of Acting Captain is one gold bar. Bear in mind the Canadian Coast Guard is not military but government worker, the auxiliary, even less formally structured (anyone notice my flowing golden locks?). Should I keep the one rank bar or remove them all together? Any idea on how to fix/disguise the hole? How are mess jackets held closed if at all? As there is no actual way of buttoning it as double breasted.

One last pic of the jacket on ebay.