My PC alternative

[starbkjrus]

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.

Your Majesty,

If I may so humbly offer my opinion I think that type of jacket is held closed by a buttony chainy thingy. (That's the technical term) :cough cough:

Seriously, I think (others wil chime in) since there are button holes with no buttons that a little "thingy" with two buttons joined by a chain is what you use. It keeps the jacket closed without being too tight or out of shape.

I personally wouldn't keep the stripes at all but you would know better what is acceptable for the Coast Guard. I've never been military so have aversions to wearing anything remotely resembling a uniform jacket.

Nice find BTW.

[James MacMillan]

Good show Grant!

Since the rank on the sleeve is gold, I think your choice to keep the gold buttons works.

Regarding the button hole. You will need to find two matching buttons and connect them with a short piece of chain. The chain should be about 1" to 1 1/4" long.

This device (unknown name) may be available in a local uniform store, as guys are constantly losing them. When the drinking begins, take it off the coat and stick it in a pocket.

You should look fine...... If a little waiter-ish

--jay--