Corrected entry: Shortly after Kevin Costner arrives at his deserted post and decides he is tired of waiting for the Indians to come to him, he decides to "ride out and meet them". There is a scene where he is dressing in his uniform to prepare for this visit, where at one point he fastens a roughly 6-inch long (presumably) brass "cover" over the buttons on the front of his uniform. He then uses a rag to shine between the buttons for a moment. This "cover" has disappeared in the next shot when we see Costner fully dressed and walking towards his horse.
Tiffany Fife
15th Jul 2003
Correction: I believe this is actually a plate used to protect the uniform as he shines up the buttons, to be slipped off when the buffing is complete. This plate is called a "Button Stick" and is made of brass. Still in use in the British Army.
Tiffany Fife