Button, button, Who's got...

[Iron Ed]

...good Confederate coat buttons?
I have a grey wool coat (Swiss army?) with plastic buttons that I'd like to convert to look kinda ex-Confederate army.
Who has brass buttons at the best quality per cost? (Were they always brass?)
I'd really prefer Kentucky state buttons but all I've found so far are "acorn" type. Have not seen that style in person yet and am not sure but what I'd rather have the regular flat style.
Second/third choice would be either NC or generic CSA. Maybe TN?

Anyone have any other recommendations for details to add to the coat that would be fairly simple? Crossed cannons on the lapel? Would that have always been brass, or some kinda cloth or embroidery? Braid at sleeve cuffs? Other?

I don't sew so I'll have to pay a tailor to do this.. :)

[Mark Flint]

The Blockade Runner

The Quartermaster Corp

Fall Creek Outfitters

They are all about the same. Virtually all were brass BUT wearing confederate insignia after the war was illegal most places.


I did see a surplus coat with brass buttons last weekend, and they were damn close to the conferderate military buttons-would pass up to a pretty close inspection and I think it was a swiss coat-sort of a green shade

you need to measure the button holes on the coat to make sure the right size are purchased.

If it is a matter of replacing existing buttons it is no big deal, even a newby can do it. If you need to add button holes, anyone with a machine with a good buttonhole stitch can help you.

[Iron Ed]

...you need to measure the button holes on the coat to make sure the right size are purchased....
Thanks Mark! I'll check these out.
This coat is definitely grey, and I'll be replacing existing buttons. I measured the existing buttons and they are a standard(?) size (or metric equivalent). Small buttons about 5/8", large about 7/8", plastic, flat-type.