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The reason you are dealing with an unruly lapel is because these coats were not designed to be worn the way you are wearing it. They were designed to be worn with the top button at the throat closed. Navy regulations required the coat to be buttoned all the way to the throat. Sailors hated wearing it this way, and revolted, leaving the top button unbuttoned with the resulting unruly lapel.I'm estimating this peacoat to be 1943 based on @Peacoat's guide to Dating the U.S. Navy Peacoat. I'll defer to Peacoat and others on whether I’m correct. I’m in love with all but one of the WWII peacoat characteristics, including 8 buttons showing, throat latch, corduroy pocket lining, Kersey wool. I’m not fond of the unruly lapel, but that is certainly not a deal breaker.
The Navy disliking unruly uniforms, gave in to the sailors and redesigned the coat, leading to the post WWII model with he large lapels that we have today.