Dressing A Spencer Jacket

[Cayusedriver]

I have recently purchased a Spencer jacket and wish to "dress" it a bit by adding silver or peweter buttons. I have no access to a PC Jacket locally and the closest Kilt shop I know of is 2 hours away.

I found pewter buttons at 3 feathers company. 1" & 3/4"

The jacket came with cloth buttons, one on each sleeve and 2 (one on each side of the waist) jacket is not made to button. There are no tails on a Spencer.

How would you experienced DIY's advise to do this?
3 buttons on sleeves like PC?
If 3 sleeve buttons how is spacing and location determined?
3 buttons on each side of the waist like the PC or just 1 as is?
If 3 waist buttons how is spacing and location determined?
Are the sleeve buttons and the waist buttons same size?
What size buttons should be used?
Is there any stores that sell real silver celtic buttons, not silver plated?

Aye, Cayuse

[turpin]

a quick Googling turned up a store that sells sterling silver Celtic buttons - if you want to spend $40-$50 each.



hmmm. for some reason neither the image nor the url inserter are working for me on the quick reply- I get a 404 message. They are working on the advanced post box.

As to placement, I'd keep it simple - one opposite the button hole, three samll ones to replace the sleeve buttons, and, maybe, two at the small of the back.

Sleeve buttons are smaller (see pic)

Remember, you are not trying to duplicate a prince charlie or Montose or whatever, you are substituting a different look that goes well with a kilt. As such, there's no need to approximate the look of a different button configuration.

Oh, BTW, Welcome to X-Marks!

[pipesndrumsnun]

Maybe just putting the new buttons where the old buttons were would look very nice?
Good luck with your project!

[Moosedog]

Yes, silver buttons are quite pricey. Pewter might give you a richer look without fear of plate rubbing off. Here are some sources at three different price points. I don't have experience/connections with any of these companies.

Moosedog

http://www.ramshornstudio.com/retail/en-us/dept_20.html

http://www.faireware.com/button1.html

http://www.landofodds.com/servlet/Ca...BUTTONS+PEWTER

[pipesndrumsnun]

Another good place to get kilt jacket buttons is from J. Higgins...they are not listed on the website, though, so you just have to give them a call.

[Tartan Hiker]

Landscapers usually plant in odd numbers as even numbers can present an odd appearance. I'd go for three small buttons on the sleeve, but along the seam line like a typical jacket and not marching up the front of the arm like a PC.
I'd go for six larger buttons on the front of the jacket, three on each side. Follow the same angle as the lapel and space them evenly from the hem to just above the point where the lapel folds over. Lay them down and move them around until it looks balanced. I wouldn't put any on the back unless the jacket has those extra panels sewn on as is typical with a PC.
And if you add a vest, use the smaller buttons on that, too.

[Galician]

Pardon my ignorance, but what is a Spencer jacket?

[fluter]

This one sort of looks like a tail-less tailcoat.

[Galician]

Thanks for the link. Is that the one which waiters wear?

[pipesndrumsnun]

Pardon my ignorance, but what is a Spencer jacket?

I wondered the same thing (I googled it to beat my curiosity)!