BUTTONS
BRITISH MILITARY
The largest database of early British Military Buttons
Contact us by email: britishmilitarybuttons@gmail.com​
To try and aid identification we have listed buttons alphabetically throughout this site but have created this section for the units of the Dragoons and Light Dragoons that is numerically listed, local units such as the styled Hampshire Light Dragoons feature as alphabetical entries.
​
Major Parkyn's work covered many of the known types of buttons to these units, however in recent years with the increase in metal detecting many new examples have come to light, which we are recording here. Whilst of course there is naturally some overlap with Parkyn's work here to help people ID their examples, this site is not intended to be definitive but does allow a place for examples to be recorded that are either unknown or at least little known.
Dragoons & Light Dragoons Buttons
13th Light Dragoons (1st pattern)​
Ref No: 165- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: This pattern either predates the more usual script 13/LD pattern or is confined to NCOs only.
​​​Description: ​​​13 over LD
Category:​​Light Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Flat ​22.5mm; ​
Metal: Copper sheet, gilded. Backmark: None;
Date: ​1783-c1798.​​​
21st (Yorkshire) Light Dragoons ​
Ref No: 167- ​
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
​Notes: The 21st LD were originally formed in 1759 as the Royal Windsor Foresters. Reformed in 1779, disbanded in 1783, their last formation as the 21LD was in 1794-1820.
​​​Description: ​​​XXI between letters L and D
Category:​​Light Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Ball button, flat back, ​15mm; ​
Metal: Copper alloy, silver plated. Backmark: None;
Date: ​c1794-c1820.​​​
15th (Kings) Light Dragoons ​
Ref No: 168- ​
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
​Notes: The 15th LD were formed in 1759 and reformed again in 1766 as the 15th Kings LD.
​​​Description: ​​​K over LD with 15 below on eight pointed star​
Category:​​Light Dragoons​​
Type of button: Slightly convex, ​27.5mm; ​
Metal: Pewter. Backmark: None;
Date: ​c1769-1807.​​​
10th Prince of Wales's Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 169- ​
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
​Notes: The 10th LD held the title 10th Prince of Wales Own Light Dragoons between 1783-1806 after which they became the 10th PoW Hussars.
​​​Description: ​​​XLD under Prince of Wales feather
Category:​​Light Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Convex ​16mm; ​
Metal: Copper alloy, silver plated. Backmark: None;
Date: ​1783-1806.​​​
15th Light Dragoons ​
Ref No: 171- ​
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
​Notes: An early button to the 15th LD that does not show the Kings title.
​​​Description: ​​​15 over LD.​
Category:​​Light Dragoons​​
Type of button: Slightly convex, ​24mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy. Backmark: None;
Date: ​c1769-c1800.​​​
18th Light Dragoons ​
Ref No: 172- ​
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
​Notes: The 18th LD were originally formed in 1763 before becoming the 18 Kings LD in 1807 .
​​​Description: ​​​18 over letters LD
Category:​​Light Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Ball button, flat back, ​13mm; ​
Metal: Copper alloy, silver plated. Backmark: None;
Date: ​c1763-1807.​​​
22nd Light Dragoons ​
Ref No: 173- ​
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
​Notes: Re-raised in 1794 by Viscount Fielding and disbanded in 1802.​​
​​​Description: ​​​22 abpve hunting bugle with letters LD below
Category:​​Light Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Ball button, flat back, ​16mm; ​
Metal: Copper alloy, silver plated. Backmark: None;
Date: ​c1794-c1802.​​​
15th (Kings) Light Dragoons ​
Ref No: 174- ​
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
​Notes: The 15th LD were formed in 1759 and reformed again in 1766 as the 15th Kings LD.
​​​Description: ​​​K over crown with L D either side and 15 below​
Category:​​Light Dragoons​​
Type of button: Convex front, flat back, ​15mm; ​
Metal: Copper alloy, silver plated. Backmark: None;
Date: ​c1790-1807.​​​
7th (Queens Own) Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 175- ​
Image Source: Colchester Treasure Hunting Club
​Notes: The 7th became LD in 1784 before adding the Hussars title to the name in 1807.
​​​Description: ​​​QsO over 7 over LD on incised eight pointed star.
Category:​​Light Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Flat 22​mm; ​
Metal: Copper alloy, silver plated. Backmark: None;
Date: ​1784-90.​​​
11th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 176- ​
Image Source: Colchester Treasure Hunting Club
​Notes: The 11th became LD in 1783 and became Hussars in 1840, this style of button dates to the early part of this date range .
​​​Description: ​​​11 over (and off centre) LD
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Flat​​; ​
Metal: Copper alloy, silver plated. Backmark: None;
Date: ​1783-c1800.​​​
15th (Kings) Light Dragoons ​
Ref No: 177- ​
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
​Notes: An officers version in Sheffield plate of the other ranks version below *Ref No 168).
​​​Description: ​​​K over LD with 15 below on eight pointed star​
Category:​​Light Dragoons​​
Type of button: Slightly convex​​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, silver plated. Backmark: None;
Date: ​c1769-1807.​​​
20th Light Dragoons ​
Ref No: 178- ​
Image Source: UK Detectornet
​Notes: A fine early example of an officers button from the early existence of the unit .
​​​Description: ​​​ LD over 20 enclosed by raised rings
Category:​​Light Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Flat, ​25mm; ​
Metal: Copper alloy, silver plated. Backmark: SF;
Date: ​c1779-1783.​​​
7th (Queens Own) Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 179- ​
Image Source: UK Detectornet
​Notes: The 7th became LD in 1784 before adding the Hussars title to the name in 1807.
​​​Description: ​​​Queens Own over 7 and LD on buckled eight pointed star.
Category:​​Light Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Flat​​; ​
Metal: Copper alloy, silver plated. Backmark:​;
Date: ​c1784-1800.​​​
19th Light Dragoons ​
Ref No: 180- ​
Image Source: UK Detectornet
​Notes: The 19th LD were originally formed in 1759, later disbanded they were reformed 1779-1783 and again 1786-1817 .
​​​Description: ​​​ 19 over LD on six pointed star with roped edge
Category:​​Light Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Flat, ​25mm; ​
Metal: Copper alloy, silver plated. Backmark:​;
Date: ​c1779-c1783.​​​
14th Light Dragoons ​
Ref No: 181- ​
Image Source: SN
​Notes: An early button to the 14th LD which later gained the Duchess Of York's Own title 1798-1830 and then the Kings title 1830-1861.
​​​Description: ​​​XIV over LD in roped edge.​
Category:​​Light Dragoons​​
Type of button: Convex, ​15mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, silver plated. Backmark: None;
Date: ​1776-c1790.​​​
4th Dragoons​
Ref No: 223- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The 4th Dragoons were named after their Colonels until 1751, this is believed to be the other ranks first pattern.
​​​Description: ​​​D over 4 within wreath design.
Category:​​Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Flat 23​mm; ​
Metal: Pewter. Backmark: None;
Date: ​c1770-1780.​​​
4th Dragoons​
Ref No: 224- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The 4th Dragoons were named after their Colonels until 1751, this is believed to be the officers first pattern.
​​​Description: ​​​IV. D within two incised reliefs.
Category:​​Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Flat 24​mm; ​
Metal: Sheffield plate, incised areas gilded. Backmark: SF;
Date: ​c1770-1780.​​​
4th (Queens Own) Dragoons​
Ref No: 225- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The 4th Dragoons gained the Queens Own title in 1788.
​​​Description: ​​​IV. D under crown with QUEENS OWN around.
Category:​​Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Flat 24​mm; ​
Metal: Sheffield plate. Backmark: J. Eginton Birmingham, or 'plated';
Date: ​1788-1800.​​​
4th (Queens Own) Dragoons​
Ref No: 226- ​
Image Source: Metal Detectorist JK
​Notes: As above but with minor differences and in petwer for other ranks.
​​​Description: ​​​IV. D under crown with QUEENS OWN around.
Category:​​Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Flat 24​mm; ​
Metal: Pewter. Backmark: J. Eginton Birmingham;
Date: ​1788-1800.​​​
4th (Queens Own) Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 228- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The 4th became Light Dragoons in 1818 before becoming Hussars in 1861.
​​​Description: ​​​IV over LD.
Category:​​Light Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Convex 13​mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, silver plated. Backmark: Firmin London​ or Nutting London;
Date: ​c1818-1830.​​​
4th (Queens Own) Dragoons​
Ref No: 227- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: An original officers version to a button that was copied for Gilbert and Sullivans first performance of Ruddigore.
​​​Description: ​​​IV under crown with QUEENS OWN below.
Category:​​Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Convex 14​mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, silver plated. Backmark: Firmin London​;
Date: ​c1800-1818.​​​
5th (Royal Irish) Dragoons​
Ref No: 230- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The 5th Royal Irish Dragoons were in existence from 1751-1799 when they were disbanded due to the opinion they had performed poorly in service in Ireland. They were reformed as Lancers in 1861.
​​​Description: ​​​Harp surmounted by crown and lion with 5 D either side.
Category:​​ Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Flat 16mm (also known 26mm)​​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, silver plated. Backmark: ​​None;
Date: ​c1780-1799.​​​
9th Dragoons​
Ref No: 231- ​
Image Source: UK Detectornet
​Notes: A rare first pattern button to the 9th Dragoons which became Light Dragoons in 1783.
​​​Description: ​​​IX over Ds.
Category:​​Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Flat​​; ​
Metal: Lead, can be silver faced. Backmark:​ None;
Date: ​c1770-1783.​​​
3rd (Kings Own) Dragoons​
Ref No: 232- ​
Image Source: UK Detectornet
​Notes: The 3rd Dragoons were previously named the King's Own Regiment of Dragoons between 1714-1751 and became Light Dragoons in 1818, this style is believed to be the second pattern to the unit.
​​​Description: ​​​3 over D within Greek key design.
Category:​​Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Slightly convex 25​mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy gilded. Backmark: J. TYNDALE BIRM;
Date: ​c1790-1818.​​​
7th (Queens Own) Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 316- ​
Image Source: Private collection NL
​Notes: The 7th became LD in 1784 before adding the Hussars title to the name in 1807.
​​​Description: ​​​7 over LD within Garter Proper.
Category:​​Light Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Convex; ​
Metal: Copper alloy, silver plated. Backmark:​;
Date: ​c1794-1807.​​​
8th (Kings Royal Irish) Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 317- ​
Image Source: UK Detectornet
​Notes: The 8th became LD in 1775 and and (Kings Royal Irish) in 1777. They became Hussars in 1822.
​​​Description: ​​​8 between LD within under crowned Irish Harp.
Category:​​Light Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Flat; ​
Metal: Copper alloy, silver plated. Backmark: none​;
Date: ​c1780-c1800.​​​
7th (Queens Own) Dragoons​
Ref No: 338- ​
Image Source:Dave L via UK Detectornet
​Notes: The 7th became Light Dragoons in 1784 so this example without the 'Light' title is likely to be the first pattern to the 7th Dragoons and thus date c1770 to no later than 1783..
​​​Description: ​​​Qs over 7D on incised eight pointed star.
Category:​​Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Flat 22​mm; ​
Metal: Copper alloy, silver plated. Backmark: None;
Date: ​c1770-c1783.​​​
24th Light Dragoons ​
Ref No: 421- ​
Image Source: Stephen P.
​Notes: ​​
​​​Description: ​​​24 above LD within single outlined rim
Category:​​Light Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Convex; ​
Metal: Copper alloy. Backmark: None;
Date: ​1803-c1819.​​​
2nd (Royal North British) Dragoons​
Ref No: 420- ​
Image Source: Peter H
​Notes: The design was initially not hought to have been worn but is now accepted as being a legitimate pattern to the unit.
​​​Description: ​​​Thistle below WATERLOO surmounted by crown.
Category:​​Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Convex​​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy. Backmark: Unreadable​;
Date: ​1816-c1835.​​​
1st Royal Dragoons​
Ref No: 691- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: Believed to be the first pattern to the Regt which retained the 1st (Royal) Dragoons name from 1751-1920.
​​​Description: ​​​Central crown in plain rim with 1 and D either side.
Category: ​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Slightly convex 22mm
Metal: Copper Alloy. Backmark:​ None;
Date: ​c1780-1797.​​​
1st Royal Dragoons​
Ref No: 692- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The second pattern to the Regt which retained the 1st (Royal) Dragoons name from 1751-1920.
​​​Description: ​​​Central crown in plain rim with 1 and D either side.
Category: ​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Slightly convex 20mm
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt. Backmark:​ I GOOD BIRMINGHAM;
Date: ​c1797-1820.​​​
1st Royal Dragoons​
Ref No: 693- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: A long lasting design to the Regt of which this one with early back mark can be dated c1820-1835.
​​​Description: ​​​ROYAL DRAGOONS on crowned strap around central lion.
Category: ​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex 21mm
Metal: Copper Alloy. Backmark:​ CHARLES JENNENS LONDON (With PoW crest);
Date: ​c1820-1901.​​​
2nd Royal Dragoons​
Ref No: 694- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: An early officers design to the 2nd Dragoons who were known as the Royal British Dragoons from 1751-1866 from whence they are probably better known as the Scots Greys.
​​​Description: ​​​2 within thistle sprays.
Category: ​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Flat 26mm
Metal: Copper Alloy. Backmark:​ None;
Date: ​c1770-1790.​​​
2nd Royal Dragoons​
Ref No: 695- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: A second design to the 2nd Dragoons who were known as the Royal British Dragoons from 1751-1866 from whence they are probably better known as the Scots Greys.
​​​Description: ​​​2 within refined thistle sprays design.
Category: ​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Flat 16mm
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt. Backmark:​ I NUTTING KING ST COVENT GARDEN;
Date: ​c1785-1800.​​​
2nd Royal Dragoons​
Ref No: 696- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: A later officers design to the 2nd Dragoons who were known as the Royal British Dragoons from 1751-1866 from whence they are probably better known as the Scots Greys.
​​​Description: ​​​2 over D within inward facing leaf design.
Category: ​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Flat 16mm
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt. Backmark:​ I NUTTING;
Date: ​c1800-1816.​​​
2nd Royal Dragoons​
Ref No: 697- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: A later other ranks design to the 2nd Dragoons who were known as the Royal British Dragoons from 1751-1866 from whence they are probably better known as the Scots Greys.
​​​Description: ​​​2 over D within inward facing leaf design.
Category: ​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Flat 16mm
Metal: Pewter. Backmark:​ Laurels and berries and a floret;
Date: ​c1800-1816.​​​
2nd (Royal North British) Dragoons​
Ref No: 698- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: A similar design to REF 420 above but without the wreath, there is also one further pattern with a single circle outer line.
​​​Description: ​​​​​Thistle below WATERLOO surmounted by crown.
Category: ​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex 23mm
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt. Backmark:​ W & E JONES DUBLIN;
Date: ​c1816-1835.​​​
6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons​
Ref No: 699- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: Known as the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons from 1751-1920 when they became The Inniskillings (6th Dragoons).
​​​Description: ​​​​​INNISKILLING over castle atop VI D.
Category: ​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Slightly convex 27mm
Metal: Pewter. Backmark:​ NUTTING... OV....;
Date: ​c1788-1800.​​​
6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons​
Ref No: 700- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: A raised design where once again he Union Flag rather than cross of St George is diaplyed over the castle.
​​​Description: ​​​​​INNISKILLING over castle atop VI D.
Category: ​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Flat 23mm
Metal: Pewter. Backmark:​ MURPHY 110 BRIDE STREET DUBLIN;
Date: ​c1790-1820.​​​
6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons​
Ref No: 701- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: A rare version of the design with raised design in depressed channels.
​​​Description: ​​​​​INNISKILLING over castle atop VI D.
Category: ​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Flat 25mm
Metal: Pewter. Backmark:​ R TATE * BEST PLATED*;
Date: ​c1790-1820.​​​
6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons​
Ref No: 702- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: This design continued on past 1830 in gilt with castle in silver.
​​​Description: ​​​​​castle atop VI.
Category: ​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex 21mm
Metal: Pewter. Backmark:​ FIRMIN & SONS 153 STRAND LONDON;
Date: ​c1820-1830.​​​
8th (Kings Royal Irish) Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 703- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: There are a number of variants for this unit from 1772-1822 but none are common.
​​​Description: ​​​​​Crowned harp with wreath, line atop with VIII above LD aside.
Category: ​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Flat 22mm
Metal: Silver sheet. Backmark:​ DAVID PETER DUBLIN (and others);
Date: ​c1783-1790.​​​
9th Dragoons​
Ref No: 704- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: Another early example to the 9th Dragoons but with different font to Ref 231 above.
​​​Description: ​​​​​IX over Ds.
Category: ​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Flat 17mm
Metal: Silver sheet. Backmark:​ None;
Date: ​c1770-1783.​​​
9th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 705- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: This design is believed to date soon after the unit became 'Light' in 1783.
​​​Description: ​​​​​IX over LD.
Category: ​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Half ball 16mm
Metal: Copper Alloy. Backmark:​ None;
Date: ​c1783-c1800.​​​
9th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 706- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The back mark allows us to date this example fairly precisely although clearly the design stayed in use longer.
​​​Description: ​​​​​L over IX over D.
Category: ​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Full ball 11mm
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered. Backmark:​ C JENNENS LONDON (no Pow);
Date: ​1804-1808.​​​
9th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 707- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: An unsual design that must date to the period when the unit changed to gold lace and before they became Lancers in 1816.
​​​Description: ​​​​​IX within plain but crowned inner circle.
Category: ​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex ..mm
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilded. Backmark:​ I NUTTING & SON KING STREER COVENT GARDEN;
Date: ​c1812-c1816. ​​​
9th Lancers​
Ref No: 708- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The design used from when the uni became Lancers in 1816 until becoming 'Queens Royal' in 1830 when the design changed to a royal script monogram .
​​​Description: ​​​​​9 in fron of crossed lances.
Category: ​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex 19mm
Metal: Brass. Backmark:​ I NUTTING & SON KING STREER COVENT GARDEN;
Date: ​c1816-c1830. ​​​
10th Dragoons​
Ref No: 709- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: An exceptionally rare example to the period when the unit was a Dragoon one and not Light Dragoons which they became in 1783.
​​​Description: ​​​​​D over X within floret wreath.
Category: ​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Slightly convex 24mm
Metal: Silver sheet over base metal. Backmark:​ None;
Date: ​1770-1783. ​​​
10th Prince of Wales's Own Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 710- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: Believed to be the first design to the unit from when they becameLight Dragoons in 1783.
​​​Description: ​​​​​PoW feathers over X.L.D.
Category: ​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Flat 16.5mm
Metal: Copper Alloy. Backmark:​ Unreadable;
Date: ​c1783-1796. ​​​
10th Prince of Wales's Own Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 711- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: A pewter other ranks example (as previous) believed to be the first design to the unit from when they becameLight Dragoons in 1783.
​​​Description: ​​​​​PoW feathers over X.L.D.
Category: ​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex 16.5mm
Metal: Pewter. Backmark:​ FIRMIN STRAND;
Date: ​c1783-1796. ​​​
11th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 712- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: A variation on the example above presumably dating to the immediate period they became Light Dragoons in 1783.
​​​Description: ​​​11th over Lt Ds
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Flat ​17mm; ​
Metal: Copper alloy, silver plated. Backmark: None;
Date: ​c1783-c1790.​​​
11th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 713- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: An other ranks example presumably following on from the design above.
​​​Description: ​​​11th over LD within decorated outer rim
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Slightly convex ​17mm; ​
Metal: Pewter. Backmark: I NUTTING COVENT GARDEN;
Date: ​c1790-c1797.​​​
11th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 714- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: Another slightly later example presumably following on from the design above.
​​​Description: ​​​11th over L.D
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Full ball ​15mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy silvered. Backmark: None;
Date: ​c1795-c1810.​​​
11th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 715- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: A rare example that is sometimes seen without the 11th LD centrally placed on smaller examples (see below) which meant for many years this design could not be attributed, however the 11th LD motif confirms it to this unit.
​​​Description: ​​​11th over LD within crowned motto MOTUS COMPENERE
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex ​19mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy silvered. Backmark: I NUTTING COVENT GARDEN;
Date: ​c1800-c1820.​​​
11th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 716- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: An unusual example without the 11th LD centrally placed (see above) for many years this design could not be attributed, however the 11th LD motif above confirms it is to this unit.
​​​Description: ​​​Blank centre within crowned motto MOTUS COMPENERE
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex ​16mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy silvered. Backmark: C JENNENS LONDON (with PoW);
Date: ​c1800-c1820.​​​
11th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 717- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: A design that continued in gilt up to the units conversion to Hussars in 1840.
​​​Description: ​​​Sphinx over 11 over LD with PENINSULA and WATERLOO around
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex ​18mm; ​
Metal: Silvered. Backmark: CHARLES JENNENS LONDON (with PoW);
Date: ​c1820-c1830.​​​
11th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 718- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The brass example that continued in use up to the units conversion to Hussars in 1840.
​​​Description: ​​​Sphinx over 11 over LD with PENINSULA and WATERLOO around
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex ​17.5mm; ​
Metal: Brass. Backmark: NUTTING LONDON;
Date: ​c1820-c1840.​​​
12th (Prince of Wales's) Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 719- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: For many years recorded as being to the 10th LD with the II being mistaken for and L, this example however clearly shows it to be XII LD.
​​​Description: ​​​Prince of Wales feathers with XII and LD either side.
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Flat ​17mm; ​
Metal: Pewter. Backmark: None;
Date: ​c1770-c1785.​​​
12th (Prince of Wales's) Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 720- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: Believed to be the pattern that followed the above example and must pre datw 1816 when the unit became Lancers.
​​​Description: ​​​Prince of Wales feathers over XII and L D either side.
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Flat ​16.5mm; ​
Metal: Silver sheet. Backmark: .... IN STRAND;
Date: ​c1785-c1790.​​​
12th (Prince of Wales's) Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 721- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: Believed to be the pattern that followed the above example and must pre datw 1816 when the unit became Lancers.
​​​Description: ​​​Prince of Wales feathers over XII LD.
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Full ball ​15mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy Silvered. Backmark: None;
Date: ​c1790-c1802.​​​
12th (Prince of Wales's) Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 722- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: A design that was presumably worn on the waistcoat complimenting the above design.
​​​Description: ​​​Prince of Wales feathers over XII LD.
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Slightly convex ​18mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy Silvered. Backmark: None;
Date: ​c1790-c1802.​​​
12th (Prince of Wales's) Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 723- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The Egypt honour was granted in 1802 and with the unit becoming Lancers in 1816 this design must date between then.
​​​Description: ​​​XII over LD within crowned buckled strap reading EGYPT within.
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex ​17mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy Silvered. Backmark: Unreadable;
Date: ​c1802-c1816.​​​
12th (Prince of Wales's) Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 724- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: Collectors shold be careful as this design was copied for the Gilbert & Sullian operatta Ruddigore where some 80 regts through the ages paraded on stage.
​​​Description: ​​​PoW feathers over sphinx, EGYPT and 12LD within wreath.
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex ​17mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy Silvered. Backmark: NUTTING & SON KING ST COVENT GARDEN ; Date: ​c1810-c1816.​​​
12th (Prince of Wales's) Lancers​
Ref No: 725- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The became Lancers in 1816 and Royal Lancers the following year.
​​​Description: ​​​12 in front of crossed lances.
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex ​17mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy. Backmark: NUTTING & SON KING ST COVENT GARDEN ; Date: ​c1816-c1825.​​​
13th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 726- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The 13th LD became Hussars in 1861. It is interesting to note on this oher ranks brass version hat design is incised.
​​​Description: ​​​XIII over L.D within eight pointed star with battle houours around.
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex ​17mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy. Backmark: NUTTING LONDON ;
Date: ​c1820-c1830.​​​
13th Light Dragoons (2nd pattern)​
Ref No: 170- ​
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
​Notes: The more usual script 13/LD pattern.
​​​Description: ​​​13 over LD
Category:​​Light Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Convex ​2omm; ​
Metal: Copper alloy. Backmark: None;
Date: ​1783-c1820.​​​
13th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 727- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The more common and slightly later design with raised design rather than incised as previous.
​​​Description: ​​​XIII over L.D within eight pointed star with battle houours around.
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex ​18mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy. Backmark: NUTTING LONDON ;
Date: ​c1830-c1856.​​​
14th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 728- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: A nice exmaple to one of the earlier designs known to the 14th LD before gaining title.
​​​Description: ​​​XIV over LD.
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Flat ​22mm; ​
Metal: Silver sheet. Backmark: None ;
Date: ​c1776-c1785.​​​
14th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 729- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: A poor conditioned example that display another design to the unit but date is speculative until a better example is discovered.
​​​Description: ​​​Crown over XIV over LD.
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Full ball ​16.5mm; ​
Metal: Silver plate. Backmark: None ;
Date: ​c1790-c1810.​​​
16th (or Queens) Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 730- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: From 1769 until 1816 the unit was known as the 16th LD or rhe QLD.
​​​Description: ​​​Q over LD over 16.
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex ​16mm; ​
Metal: Copper alloy silver plated. Backmark: None ;
Date: ​c1790-c1816.​​​
16th (or Queens) Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 731- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: There is no record to show the unit chnaged to gold lace which would explkain the gilt version so presumably this is to a senior NCO or similar.
​​​Description: ​​​Q over L*D over 16.
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Half ball ​14mm; ​
Metal: Copper alloy gilt. Backmark: None ;
Date: ​c1790-c1816.​​​
16th (Queens) Lancers​
Ref No: 732- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The unit became Lancers from 1816 and whilst this example dates to 1820 the design continued post 1830 but in gilt.
​​​Description: ​​​Crown in front of crossed lances with Qs L aside and XVI below.
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex ​18mm; ​
Metal: Copper alloy silvered. Backmark: CHARLES JENNENS LONDON (with Pow);
Date: ​1820-1830.​​​
17th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 733- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The 17th Light Dragoons gained became Lancers in 1822 and were amalgamated with 21st Lancers in 1922.
​​​Description: ​​​XVII across with LD running vertical within wreath.
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Slightly convex ​14.5mm; ​
Metal: Copper alloy silvered. Backmark: None;
Date: ​1800-1822.​​​
19th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 734- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The date attributed to this design relates to the period when he 23rd LD were renumbered in 1786.
​​​Description: ​​​Crown over XIX over D.
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Full ball ​16mm; ​
Metal: Copper alloy silvered. Backmark: None;
Date: ​1786-1800.​​​
20th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 735- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: Between 1791-1802 the unit was the 20th Jamaica Light Dragoons, in 1802 the Jamaica title was dropped before they were disbanded in 1818.
​​​Description: ​​​XX over L.D
Category:​​Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Full ball ​16mm; ​
Metal: Copper alloy gilt. Backmark: BUSHBY LONDON;
Date: ​1808-1818.​​​
21st Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 736- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: This design also noted in pewter dates to the period 1779-83 when the unit was then disbanded and not reformed again until 1794.
​​​Description: ​​​21 over LD within floret out rim design
Category:​​ Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Flat ​21mm; ​
Metal: Silver sheet. Backmark: S.F;
Date: ​1779-1783.​​​
21st (Yorkshire) Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 737- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: Never officially listed as the Yorkshire LD, it is believed this era was in the 1794-1820 raising and likely dates to the 1794-1800 period.
​​​Description: ​​​XXI in eight pointed star reading YORKSHIRE L*D
Category:​​ Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex ​17mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy gilt. Backmark: None;
Date: ​1794-c1800.​​​
21st (Yorkshire) Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 738- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: As above the Yorkshire title is shown but the date to chaning to silver lace in not recorded to help with a more specific dating.
​​​Description: ​​​21 over LD in eight poiinted star reading YORKSHIRE
Category:​​ Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Slightly convex ​17.5mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy silvered. Backmark: NUTTING KING ST COVENT GARDEN;
Date: ​1794-c1800.​​​
21st (Yorkshire) Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 739- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: An incised design to the 21st (Yorkshire) Light Dragoons.
​​​Description: ​​​XXI with L above and D below
Category:​​ Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Full ball ​16mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy silvered. Backmark: None;
Date: ​c1815.​​​
21st (Yorkshire) Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 740- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: An unusual example and possibly the final design to the unit before it was disbanded in 1820.
​​​Description: ​​​XXI with L above and D below
Category:​​ Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Half ball ​16mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy gilt. Backmark: LAMBERTS & McLAURIN;
Date: ​c1815-1820.​​​
22nd (Sussex) Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 741- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: An exotic design to the raising by Lord Sheffield in 1779 that was disbanded in 1783.
​​​Description: ​​​22 within scripted LD within floral stalk design
Category:​​ Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Flat ​22mm; ​
Metal: Silver sheet. Backmark: None;
Date: ​1779-1783.​​​
22nd Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 742- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: Re-raised in 1794 by Viscount Fielding and disbanded in 1802.
​​​Description: ​​​XXII with L above and D below
Category:​​ Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex ​16mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, silver plated. Backmark: ...... DUBLIN...;
Date: ​1794-1797.​​​
23rd Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 743- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: Raised in 1794 by Colonel Fullarton and disbanded in 1802.
​​​Description: ​​​23 over LD
Category:​​ Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex ​11mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt. Backmark: None.;
Date: ​1794-1802.​​​
23rd Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 744- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: A rare example to the final period before the unit became Lancers in 1816.
​​​Description: ​​​WATERLOO over sphinx over 23 LD within wreath
Category:​​ Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex ​15mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered. Backmark: C JENNENS LONDON (with PoW);
Date: ​1815-1816.​​​
25th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 745- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The early nature of the design means that this is likely to be to the 1794-1802 raising, rather than to be the period when the 29th were renumbered as the 25th 1802-1818.
​​​Description: ​​​XXV with L above and D below
Category:​​ Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex ​14mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered. Backmark: None;
Date: ​1794-1802.​​​
26th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 746- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The early nature of the design means that this is likely to be to the 1795-1803 raising, rather than to be the period when the 26th were renumbered as the 23rd 1803-1819.
​​​Description: ​​​26 above D within beaded circle
Category:​​ Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Half ball ​16mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered. Backmark: None;
Date: ​1795-1803.​​​
27th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 747- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The early nature of the design means that this is likely to be to the 1795-1803 raising, rather than to be the period when the 27th were renumbered as the 24th 1803-1819.
​​​Description: ​​​27 above LD within beaded circle
Category:​​ Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex ​16mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered. Backmark: None;
Date: ​1795-1803.​​​
28th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 748- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: Raised in March 1795 the unit was disbanded in Ireland in 1802.
​​​Description: ​​​28 above LD within beaded circle
Category:​​ Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Slightly convex ​16mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered. Backmark: None;
Date: ​1795-1802.​​​
28th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 749- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: As above but in pewter. Also known as the Duke Of Yorks Own Light Dragoons they were raised in March 1795 and disbanded in Ireland in 1802.
​​​Description: ​​​28 above LD within beaded circle
Category:​​ Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Slightly convex ​17.5mm; ​
Metal: Pewter. Backmark: None;
Date: ​1795-1802.​​​
30th Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 750- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: Also known as the Prince Of Wales's Light Dragoons they were raised in October 1794 and disbanded in Ireland in 1796. The ball pattern is unusual in showing 30th LD as L/XXL/D.
​​​Description: ​​​PoW feathers over 30 above LD within beaded circle
Category:​​ Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Slightly convex ​14.5mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy silvered. Backmark: W.R. SMITH TRIPP (+PoW crest);
Date: ​1794-1796.​​​
Cavalry Depot Staff​
Ref No: 751- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: Officers of the CDS had their parent unit included in brackets so it is presumed this design was worn by senior NCOs.
​​​Description: ​​​Crowned C.D over S
Category:​​ Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Half ball ​16mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy gilt. Backmark: I NUTTING (in label) COVENT GARDEN;
Date: ​1797-1815.​​​
Staff Cavalry​
Ref No: 752- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The unit was in existence from 1813-18 only.
​​​Description: ​​​Crown with STAFF above and CAVALRY below
Category:​​ Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Convex ​17mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy silvered. Backmark: CHARLES JENNEN LONDON (with PoW);
Date: ​1813-1818.​​​
Yorkshire Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 753- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: A factory made example t the unit which was raised by Thomas Lister a landowner and patriot. The regiment is only ever listed as 'A company of Light Dragoons' but supporters on his granted arms are shown as officers of the YLD.
​​​Description: ​​​Y over LD in eight pointed incised star
Category:​​ Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Flat ​24mm; ​
Metal: Silver sheet. Backmark: None;
Date: ​c1794-1803.​​​
Yorkshire Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 754- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: A locally 'field made' example as above.
​​​Description: ​​​Y over LD in eight pointed incised star
Category:​​ Cavalry​ ​
Type of button: Flat ​24mm; ​
Metal: Silver sheet. Backmark: None;
Date: ​c1794-1803.​​​
3rd (Kings Own) Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 755- ​
Image Source: UK Detectornet
​Notes: The 3rd Dragoons became Light Dragoons in 1818, and Hussars in 1861. This officers example with mounted design is likely to be the last pattern before the unit converted to Hussars.
​​​Description: ​​​Horse in buckled strap reading 3RD or KINGS OWN.
Category:​​Light Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Convex 20​mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy gilded. Backmark: JENNENS & CO LONDON;
Date: ​c1840-1861.​​​
3rd (Kings Own) Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 756- ​
Image Source: UK Detectornet
​Notes: An other ranks example as per the design above.
​​​Description: ​​​Horse in buckled strap reading 3RD or KINGS OWN.
Category:​​Light Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Convex 14​mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy gilded. Backmark: JENNENS & CO;
Date: ​c1840-1861.​​​
3rd (Kings Own) Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 757- ​
Image Source: Paul D. Wright
​Notes: A rarely seen example to the early period of the unit as Light Dragoons. Whether there is any other design for this period is unknown but currently this design spans the examples above and below.
​​​Description: ​​Crowned 3 over LD.
Category:​​Light Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Slightly convex ​mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy. Backmark: Unreadable possibly McGOWAN;
Date: ​c1818-40.​​​
7th (Queens Own) Light Dragoons​
Ref No: 758- ​
Image Source: Found in Wrington Somerset
​Notes: The 7th became LD in 1784 before adding the Hussars title to the name in 1807.
​​​Description: ​​​7 between Q O over LD.
Category:​​Light Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Half ball; ​
Metal: Copper alloy, silver plated. Backmark: None​;
Date: ​c1794-1807.​​​
20th Jamaica Light Dragoons ​
Ref No: 759- ​
Image Source: UK Detectornet
​Notes: A rare example to period 1791-1802 when the unit wasthe 20th Jamaica Light Dragoons .
​​​Description: ​​​ Crowned buckled strap with XX and JAMAICA around.
Category:​​Light Dragoons​ ​
Type of button: Slightly convex, ​mm; ​
Metal: Copper alloy, silver plated. Backmark: ;
Date: ​1791-1802.​​​
