Repros mainly.
For airsoft you may as well just go for an old Brit or French one which can be picked up for as little as £1!!!
I have a hybrid one from an AS store its a US coat with British buttons lol so it works for both.
I find them far too hot to skirmish in anyway, even in Winter.
They're good for sitting around a fire with a beer though.
They are a bit hot for running around a hilly forrest in the middle of may on the hottest day of the year so far ;D
French overcoats i believe are almost identical to US ones(except for buttons) and used to be available cheaply at surplus stores but have in my experience been harder to find these days-for a decent price anyway.
http://www.surplusandadventure.com/shop ... 19197.html
SoF have the plastic late style buttons.
There was a shop in Wolverhampton that had a few of the coats on the wall. Surplus store, been there years.
aka Stigroadie
AFRA
better by design
"Truth is a shining goddess, always veiled, always distant, never wholly approachable, but worthy of all the devotion of which the human spirit is capable. "
SoF have the plastic late style buttons.
There was a shop in Wolverhampton that had a few of the coats on the wall. Surplus store, been there years.
Wha!? What??? Where is this shop? I'm not far from Wolvo.
Just up the road from the civic/wolfren hall. I've no idea what the shop is called or the street name, sorry.
aka Stigroadie
AFRA
better by design
"Truth is a shining goddess, always veiled, always distant, never wholly approachable, but worthy of all the devotion of which the human spirit is capable. "
French coats differ in slightly in pockets, the buttons, the belt ends in a straight cut instead of a point and the liner is different.
Except for the liner and pockets the rest is easily converted.
I've bought one from Kurt a long time ago sold it on when I got my original.
Originals are much cheaper (especially if your of a small size yourself).
WPG makes expensive repros.
Join Now!
I purchased a replica french winter coat as an alternative;
http://www.surplusandadventure.com/shop ... 19197.html
I got it today and have noticed it has big silver buttons on the front of it. Ive had a look about to see what kind of buttons the originals have but not had any joy, was wondering if anyone can advise on what the original buttons were like? Im of the view that I could maybe replace/alter to look more authentic.
any help is much appreciated
There are 3 different varieties. WW1 brown, early WW2 brass and late war plastic brown. Now these are not easy to get. Have a look on ebay but be careful as tunic button for the service coat(no1's) are smaller than the overcoat buttons. I've been looking for a set for mine for the last 2 weeks.
http://cgi.ebay.com/WWI-AEF-US-Army-Uni ... 0003r33238
You have missed the WW2 plastic with crests from your list, with good reason? A most tricky to locate button. You may find the WW2 brass with crests, they are being repro'd, the late war 4 hole plastic are hard to find. The WW1 type listed above would be very rare and unusual on a WW2 coat.
aka Stigroadie
AFRA
better by design
"Truth is a shining goddess, always veiled, always distant, never wholly approachable, but worthy of all the devotion of which the human spirit is capable. "
You have missed the WW2 plastic with crests from your list, with good reason? A most tricky to locate button. You may find the WW2 brass with crests, they are being repro'd, the late war 4 hole plastic are hard to find. The WW1 type listed above would be very rare and unusual on a WW2 coat.
But not unheard of. So I bought 'em. 
Ta very much Mr P. 
A small Link to the US forums re buttons.
http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/ ... 64520.html
anfd the link to SOF
http://www.sofmilitary.co.uk/reenactors/index.asp
You need 2 more large ones just to finish the front?
Didn't know SoF were reproing overcoat buttons. Very good news for late/end of the war fans.
aka Stigroadie
AFRA
better by design
"Truth is a shining goddess, always veiled, always distant, never wholly approachable, but worthy of all the devotion of which the human spirit is capable. "
You need 2 more large ones just to finish the front?
Didn't know SoF were reproing overcoat buttons. Very good news for late/end of the war fans.
Managed to find a source in the states So I'm good to go once they arrive.
I waited for over an year to find correct original buttons for mine but finally got a set from the US-well worth the wait and well worth the hassle(not very good at stitching)of stitching the buggers on
Was considering getting the rear belt reshaped but for now cannot be arsed with the expense of taking it to a seamstress.
Original with plastic crested buttons, very nice.
I lent my overcoat out last year, I must get it back at some point.
aka Stigroadie
AFRA
better by design
"Truth is a shining goddess, always veiled, always distant, never wholly approachable, but worthy of all the devotion of which the human spirit is capable. "
