ORs' uniform and thus the buttons were regimental property while officers' uniforms were privately owned. ORs' uniforms had to be handed in when worn out or the owner discharged, they were then reduced to rag. I think some items of uniform could be retained but they were stripped of buttons, lace etc?
Officer's uniforms were mothballed, folded up and put away in the attic!
Thus more officers' uniforms and accoutrements survive.
Any real regimental collector will cherish ORs' buttons just as much as officers' ones.
Eddie
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