Mess Jacket - Removal of Rank Insignia

[Bruce Scott]

I am thinking of buying this US Navy officer's mess jacket for formal wear. Replacement of the buttons appears to be a straight forward exercise but I am interested to know if there are any pitfalls that I should be aware of in removing the rank insignia.

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[Lake Mist]

You might want to consider a USMC Mess Dress. You won't have that problem.

[Bruce Scott]

Thanks Lake Mist,

As I'm going down the pre-owned track it's likely that a USMC SNCO jacket will come complete with stripes, and I am not at all keen on the marine officer pattern jacket with the ornate cuff and patrol collar. The navy job is sans epaulettes and pretty plain, which is the look that I'm after.

Cheers,
Bruce

[Mike S]

Since the mess jacket is a such a dark blue/black color and unfaded, I think that you will be able to safely remove the gold rank sleeve trim and find zero ghosting in it's place.

[KD Burke]

Since the mess jacket is a such a dark blue/black color and unfaded, I think that you will be able to safely remove the gold rank sleeve trim and find zero ghosting in it's place.

The stripes should be easy enough but not sure about the corps insignia. Those were often directly embroidered (at least in my era!). Unusual insignia, too. Maybe Civil Engineer?

[CMcG]

Mess jackets are a good option for kilted formalwear and you are wise to remove the insignia if you aren't entitled to them. I would be concerned, however, that removing them might leave marks from the way they are sewn, but it's hard to say without inspecting the jacket...

You might be better served by finding a non-military equivalent like a Spencer or Eton jacket that can sometimes be had as ex-rentals. If you bide your time, civilian mess jackets come also turn up secondhand, like the one that I'm selling (sorry for the shameless plug ).

[Taskr]

Agreed that ghosting might be a problem, even after considerable steaming, as I've encountered on a uniform tunic. But, that is one sharp looking jacket. As CMcG mentions, a Spencer ex-hire can be a good option. I did that back a while ago. Great look and great price for a not-often worn item.

[Bruce Scott]

The stripes should be easy enough but not sure about the corps insignia. Those were often directly embroidered (at least in my era!). Unusual insignia, too. Maybe Civil Engineer?

Yes, Civil Engineer, according to the description. I have asked the seller for more info about it.

[plaid preacher]

Bruce, you probably are safe with a mess jacket.... there should not be substantial fading, as they are not worn every day and then often after sunset. I suspect both rank and MOC badge are sewn on. You may wish to take it to a tailor, as they would have opened the side seam to tuck away the end of the rank tape.

[Chaps]

I just bought a used mess jacket (though I am having it re-striped with the proper rank and insignia). My tailor had no problem removing the old stripes and insignia. There are no marks left. You should be fine. Your only problem may be finding a proper waistcoat to go with it as these uniforms are worn with a cumberbun.