About 1964 the buttons were all changed by order.
The original buttons, both anodised and plain brass, had the Queen's crown but for some reason the air box decided we would adopt a new button.
This button has exactly the same crown as its predecessor and was in all respects identical from a distance of 6 feet or more.
The new button was known as the Domed button as it had a higher profile than the previous flatter version.
There was no question of continuing to use the older button until one's uniform was changed. Officers all had to buy new buttons, at their own expense although the station tailor did all the airmen's. The 3 buttons on the No 1 were not too bad. It was the dozen of so on the greatcoat that cost as these were not sewn on and a tailor had to open up the lining.
Given Jacko's quote about Liz's attitude, I bet she never knew.