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1976 was the year the Zumwalt buttons became mandatory, having been phased in since 1974, if I remember correctly. The Zumwalt "pewter" buttons were required until 1984 when the larger fouled anchor buttons returned to service.I picked up a 1976 Vi-Mil, Inc peacoat in a size 38L. Fits better in the shoulders and the sleeves than the 1970 Pembroke peacoat in a size 40L. I knew this coat to have the silver metal buttons, but I figured I could swap them out for the black plastic anchor buttons. It did not occur to my primitive mind that the metal buttons would be noticeably smaller and, obviously, the button holes as well. Anyone ever swapped out the metal buttons on a Zumwalt era peacoat?
My initial reaction was that with this much swapping of button types and sizes, the button holes would fit both buttons. But I thought I should do a bit of testing. I went to my button drawer in the bedroom and grabbed, in the dark, the first buttons I saw (my wife was a bit ill and had gone to bed earlier).
When fitted through the button hole of the pewter button hole coat, the fit was tighter than I thought it should be. I looked at the button and it was a WWI button. Evidently they are a bit thicker than the modern buttons, being made of Bakelite and all.
So, back into the bedroom I went. Had to turn on the light, which was not popular with my wife. Had to explain what I was doing. She wasn't impressed. Found the modern buttons and got out of the bedroom as quickly as possible. The fit of the fouled anchor button into the pewter button hole is a bit tight, but certainly manageable. I would say the button holes are about the same size.
My micrometer, which will give an exact measurement of the two button holes on the Zumwalt coat and the pre Zumwalt coat, is in my shop in the garage downstairs. After all of the above, I don't have the energy to go down and get it tonight.
If I can remember to do it, I will get the micrometer and make the measurements tomorrow. If I don't remember, someone can post here and remind me.