The fact that a uniform with a Arkansas Military Academy jacket and buttons survived from the middle of 1861 to October, 1862 is somewhat amazing in itself considering the amount of abuse those uniforms recieved on a day to day basis.
Arkansas buckles, and buttons are some of the most rare and highly valued items to be found. The Arkansas Militia buckels are widely reproduced and proudly worn by many. But for some reason the buttons are not. Waterbury Buttons in Conn. still reporduce an Arkansas Button but they are not the correct "double eagle" button. I wish someone like the Old State House museum or the Historic Arkansas Museum would see about having the proper bottons replicated and sell them.