Richmond Trouser Buttons

[D.H. Hill]

Am interested in sewing a pair of RD trousers but not quite sure what size of buttons to use- I believe 5/8 inch for brace attachments and top button, and 1/2 for the fly, but I'm not quite certain.
Thanks,
Dan

 

[Grayrock Volunteer]

Yes, the is correct for the vast majority of reproduction trousers. I have not examined enough original buttons in person to tell you what the most common sizes are, but those are the sizes listed by Charlie Childs on his Richmond trousers patterns.

 

[Grayrock Volunteer]

Also, not sure how experienced of a tailor you are, but IMHO getting the trouser fly done properly is one of the more difficult operations you will perform on any period garment. If you are a novice I would recommend that you first make an issue shirt, or pair of drawers before moving on to trousers or a jacket.

Cheers,
Garrett

 

[D.H. Hill]

Thank you. I have modest experience sewing (all by hand- I never quite could get the hang of machines). Planning a pair of drawers before I start work on trousers but calculated it would be cheaper to buy all buttons at once.

D.H.

 

[Frederick14Va]

Here is at least one image of an original pair of Richmond Depot issued trousers in the latter half of the war. The contrasting difference in the button sizes from the suspender buttons and the fly buttons are apparent. these are stamped metal buttons as was common to be found issued on these. Center top button may be replacement.