Information about 'For Gentlemen' buttons

[Ernst60]

Hi all:
Recently, I purchased a pair of 'Reiterhosen' (riding breeches) from Germany. I was somewhat dismayed to discover that some of the green metal buttons on the sides (for attaching suspenders) and on the back pocket had the words (in English) 'For Gentlemen' imprinted in them. In talking with a few collectors, however, I understand that these buttons were used all over Europe, especially during the 1930's and that anything related to England was 'in vogue' in parts of Germany and Austria during the pre-war period. Does anyone else out there have any thoughts or info to corroborate this theory???
-Ernst

[CWP]

I have seen prewar breeches with English buttons on them before, that is not a big deal, and nothing to be dismayed about. I don't know if that is because English fasteners were "in vogue"- I am inclined to believe that these imported buttons were just cheap or widely available at the time, but that is also just a theory.

Chris P.

[Garulfo]

I don't know if this can help, but I have a pair of soviet breeches, certainly german post war made, and one button is stamped "for gentlemen".

[Lieckio]

Sorry, this is massive necroposting, BUT.....!

Here's what I can say, just for future reference if someone is searching (I found this as a top link on google for example).

For Gentleman -buttons are originally british buttons from the early 1920's, I believe either tools or manufacturing guidance was then sold all over Europe. The same style of button can be found in Finland and has been manufactured in Finland since 1926. The Buttons manufactured in Finland can be kurled, have 5 stars on them, are plain or have the text "SIRO SUOMI" or "FOR GENTLEMEN" on them. In Finland they were manufactured by "Vilénin nappitehdas" and "Suomen nappitehdas Oy".

As German uniforms sometimes use these same buttons, and as there are plenty of Russian uniforms using the same buttons (telegroikas with plain or soviet text buttons), I would like to think these were fairly universal at the time.

[JasonA]

You’ll see trousers of the period with “Trade “Mark” in English on the clasps. Relatively common.

J-

[naxos]

I have seen prewar breeches with English buttons on them before, that is not a big deal, and nothing to be dismayed about. ... - I am inclined to believe that these imported buttons were just cheap or widely available at the time, but that is also just a theory.

Chris P.

+1

[NickG]

"For Gentlemen" marked buttons are common and totally acceptable for German tailored pants. Widespread used all over Europe during that time span.

[TWS]

Slight tangent but related: I have a pair of Heer officer breeches and the zippers on the bottom of the legs say "Made in France"!

Not bothered by it as clearly the French were making garments for export right before the war and when the Wehrmacht demanded they make uniform items during the occupation the French weren't going to throw away perfectly good zippers. Actually they probably used them as a subtle snub against the Germans.

[NickG]

Speaking of snubs I have seen a German officers uniform tailored in occupied Paris by a tailor who used a pre war label which included the British Monarchy
Royal Coat of arms (as used on British army General Service buttons and cap insignia!).
The Parisian tailor (Thorn Paris) had earned the distinction to incorporate this heraldic design on his tags as he was an authorized supplier to the Royal Family of England.
So unbeknownst to the German officer, he was walking around with the enemies insignia inside his uniform! (French passive resistance!)
Seen examples of this label on a private purchase Pz wrap and LW tunic!