Uniform maintenance

[Ferd454231]

Question for all uniform collectors/conservators. I have a really nice artillery shell jacket. The only problem is some of the buttons have become detached. So my question is, what is the best way to re-attach said buttons? Is this some simple button sewing job or do I need period thread, period sewing techniques and the like. Any advice will be appreciated since I do not have even the hint of a clue. H

 

[James N.]

I've owned at one time or another three of those, and all had some problem or other that called for maintenance; the worst had had its entire lining chopped out by a reenactor! As I recall, all had buttons missing, and although the care in replacing them you describe would no doubt be preferable, a simple sewing job would probably suffice. Although the value of these has soared since I bought the first of mine for $160 back ca. 1970, they remain probably the most common surviving item of Civil War uniform and aren't really rare. I would therefore humbly suggest that whatever satisfies you personally during the time you are its caretaker is the course you should pursue.

 

[Package4]

Question for all uniform collectors/conservators. I have a really nice artillery shell jacket. The only problem is some of the buttons have become detached. So my question is, what is the best way to re-attach said buttons? Is this some simple button sewing job or do I need period thread, period sewing techniques and the like. Any advice will be appreciated since I do not have even the hint of a clue. H

James is dead on in his reply, one caveat would be to use period thread, if it can be found, at some juncture you will want to move it on to another home. Using modern materials, which are almost all synthetic these days will hurt the value. There are outfits out there that will sell thread made to specifications, in fact try Wambaugh & White and see if they will send you a modest strand or two. Take a look at how some of the other buttons are sewn and try and duplicate as closely as possible. Never hurts to go the extra mile with these wonderful artifacts...…..

 

[Package4]

I've owned at one time or another three of those, and all had some problem or other that called for maintenance; the worst had had its entire lining chopped out by a reenactor! As I recall, all had buttons missing, and although the care in replacing them you describe would no doubt be preferable, a simple sewing job would probably suffice. Although the value of these has soared since I bought the first of mine for $160 back ca. 1970, they remain probably the most common surviving item of Civil War uniform and aren't really rare. I would therefore humbly suggest that whatever satisfies you personally during the time you are its caretaker is the course you should pursue.

I would send you some, but I do not have the color you need, it will most likely be a medium to light brown, but started out its life as a blue or black and oxidized over the last 150+ years. You are not trying to fool anyone, just trying to make the coat consistent, make a note of the buttons that have been reattached for later.

 

[Ferd454231]

Thank You both for the advice. I will try to see about thread and not worry so much about the manner of attachment. H

 

[Package4]

Thank You both for the advice. I will try to see about thread and not worry so much about the manner of attachment. H

What I have done in the past is take a photo with my phone and then blow it up on the computer and I can see the way the button was sewn, I know, anal, but...…...

I have done this mostly on forage caps that have only a few stands of thread, holding the buttons and tend to break fairly easily after all of the time that has passed.

 

[Ferd454231]

Again the magic of technology is revealed to the unimaginative. Many thanks for that tip Package 4. H