Hi everyone,

Hoping everyone is keeping warm this December and hope you are all looking forward to the Yuletide vacation.
Can anyone tell me if we replace buttons on great coats with regimental buttons? I have a great coat now.
How much do the regimantal buttons cost?

Best regards,
Robert

Hi Robert,

glad to hear you have got your greatcoat. I expect you'll be able to sleep outside wrapped in your coat and pokalem, near the dying embers of a small fire, to get a truly realitic feel for re-enactment in the 21eme over the xmas holiday!

We don't have regimental buttons on the great coat, most members have wooden or bone buttons. Alternatively you can use the same cloth as the coat to cover the buttons.

Look forward to seeing you in 2008.

David

Hello David,

I hope the family are well, I bet the kids are looking forward to Christmas. Likewise I am looking forward to 2008 a lot.

David, what about Pewter shanks, were these common at this time?

I am going to try and source bone buttons. The greatcoat is from Chimera - what a wonderful company and what a great item, top notch on quality.

I admit that the postman has given me a few queer looks as I have taken to wearing it around the house to get a lived in look.

Have great Yuletide.

Rob

The childrens are certainly looking forward to the 'big day'. The kids are thinking introducing competative advent calender eating at the next olmypics! I hope your family are all well and i might meet some of them in 2008.

As far as i'm aware pewter shanks weren't worn by the French Line infantry during the period.

Keith normally has a stock of wooden buttons which are suitable for the greatcoat, i used them on mine. If you really want bone buttons i should be able to do some digging for an address of a supplier.

I think the important point to remember is that the French economy was struggling to supply the army during the 1812-15 period and metal being expensive just wasn't an option for equiping ordinary line units, the Empourer may have lavished money on the guard but not on humble fusiliers.

Whilst, it is your decision it would probably be helpful to choose a merterial such as wood, it would fit with other members of the unit. As more members use Chimera and Janet Turnbull we will develop a more uniform apperance.

Any further queries please do not hesitate to contact me and have a jolly good xmas.

Regards David

Hi Rob, David
My greatcoat is about 18 years old and was supplied with wooden toggles, like the duffle coat type.
I don't know if these are correct as i've only seen these on our (21e) greatcoats.
I have a photo of an origional in one of the Willing books, it is hard to tell but it looks like the buttons are cloth covered, the same material as the coat.
This method is just one example, but also an option.
Have a very nice Christmas
James