military buttons. Are only officers' buttons collectable?

[btns]

This weekend I came across a militia button, 25 mm (2nd Somerset; my guess c. 1855-c.1876). It is well made, but of the cheapest material one could order. I am not sure if it is pewter or tin-plated iron. Stamping its back with a name was obviously too expensive. There is no doubt that it is an 'other ranks' button.

Most buttons shown on this forum are high quality officers' buttons.
What is it? Do collectors go for shiny objects only?
Are other ranks buttons passed over or are they seldom found?
Let me have your opinions please.

[charlie962]

I suspect you are much better informed on buttons subjects than most of us. The following thoughts must influence people?
-For early (200+ yrs) buttons it is more likely to be the OR's versions, eg in pewter, that survive whereas officers versions were often more delicate- bone, cloth and other perishables. -particularly for battlefield or metal detector finds.
-A good condition officer's button is often a little work of art.
-Officers' uniforms were perhaps better cared for than ORs' and are more likely to have survived, carrying a decent quantity of buttons.
-production quantities should mean there is greater availability of ORs' buttons
-ORs buttons are more likely to be polished thus losing detail/appeal whereas officers were gilt?
-Overall one would expect to see more ORs buttons therefore lower prices thus perhaps collected but not discussed much because of this low value? A bit perverse logic because as with all badges the interest I think is what they represent, regardless of 'rank'?
-Charlie

[Eddie Parks]

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

[Cribyn]

Hello btns

I agree entirely with Eddie's comments. Other rank's buttons are just as collectable!

Roger

[Roy]

Hi Chaps,

An interesting thread with some thought provoking comments.

As a relatively new Militia Button collector, I must confess my modest collection thus far has only included silver or gilt (officers) examples.

However, my personal intention was not to focus on officers examples to the exclusion of OR's examples but rather my own preference is on condition and I just have seen so few OR examples period, let along examples in a condition that would appeal to me personally.

I'm not sure why it is that I have seen so few good OR militia buttons But would for would not pass up a nice example.

Just my tuppence worth..

Cheerio,

Roy

[Tiger Pete]

I guess it depends what one''s interests are, but for me I collect buttons within my area of interest regardless of rank. The caveat being that they should be in as good a condition as possible (I.e., unless rare).

KR,

Pete.