BUTTONS
BRITISH MILITARY
The largest database of early British Military Buttons
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To try and aid identification we have listed the buttons alphabetically, so if you have a monogram style button or place name then start by looking at the first letter on it. There are from these early days though of limited regulation many oddities, so some units that call themselves for example 'Royal' may not have actually been granted that title so therefore do check second letters if it does not appear under the first.
We have used the format as per the Army lists. e.g, Argyllshire (Eastern) Battalion, comes under 'A', but East Retford for example would be under 'E'.
'Loyal' and 'Royal' in the case of Volunteers come under the town/city/area initial. Also many county Militias unofficially used the 'Royal' title but we have stuck to the county initial, so a monogrammed button with the letters RLRV would be under L for Liverpool, so in these cases do check both the first letters.
Buttons E-F
Exmouth Volunteers
Ref No: 053-
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
Notes: It's unclear which Exmouth unit this button relates to. There is the 'Exmouth & Sidmouth' Volunteer Infantry, a 3 Company unit raised June 1794, the 'Exmouth & Withicomb Rawley' Volunteer Infantry., a 1 Company unit raised August 1798. The 'Exmouth & Withicomb Rawley Pioneers', a 1 Company unit raised June 1798. By1804 'Exmouth' as such barely features. However its probable that a larger Exmouth Corps formed part of one of the very large Battalions, but they are not recorded as such.
Description: 'Exmo Vol' on scroll surmounted by crown
Category: English Volunteer Infantry;
Type of button: Convex 16mm
Metal: Copper Alloy; Backmark: None;
Date: c1800-1820
East Kent Militia
Ref No: 008-
Image Source: UK Detectornet
Notes: This version dates from the early period c1760-c1803 as between 1803-33 the East Kent Militia had the regimental precedent number above the 'EK' see Ref No. 68 below.
Description: EK surrounded by legend HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE.
Category: English Infantry Militia;
Type of button: Flat; Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered.
Backmark: Unreadable;
Date: 1803-1814
2nd East Suffolk Local Militia
Ref No: 032-
Image Source: UK Detectornet
Notes: Raised in 1814 with their headquarters in Woodbridge
Description: 'E Suffolk L Militia' around number 2 on crowned eight pointed star Category: Local Militia;
Type of button: Flat ;
Metal: Copper Alloy.; Backmark: None ;
Date: 1808-1816
(57th) East Kent Militia
Ref No: 068-
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
Notes: The East Kent Militia were formed in 1760, buttons pre dating 1803 do not have the precedent number 57 which the unit holds 1803-1833, see Ref No. 008 above
Description: 57 EK in crowned garter reading HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE
Category: English Infantry Militia;
Type of button: Convex 18mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, Silver plated; Backmark: Jones, Dublin ;
Date: 1803-1833
East Budleigh Volunteers
Ref No: 073-
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
Notes: East Budleigh Volunteers. A 1 Company unit 1798-1801 CO Capt Samuel Walkey. It was most likely an Association. Re-raised in 1803 on a much stronger footing a 3/4 Company unit under the command of Lt-Col William Hull
Description: EBV Monogram under crown.
Category: English Volunteer Infantry;
Type of button: Flat 18mm;
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered. Backmark: None;
Date: c1794-1816
Essex Light Dragoons
Ref No: 093-
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
Notes: The Essex Light Dragoons were raised by Colonel Montague Burgoyne in 1794 and disbanded in 1799
Description: Crown with 'Ex' and 'Lt' either side and 'Ds' below
Category: Fencible Cavalry;
Type of button: Domed 18mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, Silver plated; Backmark: S FIRMIN STRAND;
Date: 1794-1799
(3rd) Essex Local Militia
Ref No: 132-
Image Source: Colchester Treasure Hunting Club
Notes: The 3rd Essex Local Militia were formed in 1809 having opted to become Local Militia having previously served as the Loyal Colchester Volunteers (See ref 129) this is the first of two types known to this unit.
Description: 3 within circle surrounded by ESSEX LOCAL MILITIA
Category: Local Militia;
Type of button: Slightly convex;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilded; Backmark: S FIRMIN STRAND;
Date: 1809-1816
(1st) Essex Local Militia
Ref No: 143-
Image Source: Colchester Treasure Hunting Club
Notes: The 1st Essex Local Militia were formed in 1809, this is the first of two known types to this unit
Description: Crown between 1st and L and above ESSEX
Category: Local Militia;
Type of button: Convex;
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered; Backmark:;
Date: 1809-1816
East Essex Militia (4th pattern)
Ref No: 149-
Image Source: Colchester Treasure Hunting Club
Notes: The East Essex Militia were formed in 1759 and became the Essex Rifles Militia in 1853 during this period they had five styles of known button of which this is the fourth
Description: EE on incised eight pointed star.
Category: English Infantry Militia;
Type of button: Flat; Metal: Copper Alloy.
Backmark: None;
Date: c1794-1816
East Norfolk Militia
Ref No: 150-
Image Source: Colchester Treasure Hunting Club
Notes: An early example to the East Norfolk Militia who were founded in 1758. This is believed to be the second of four types known to this unit.
Description: EN in flowing style on eight pointed star
Category: English Infantry Militia;
Type of button: Flat ;
Metal: Pewter; Backmark: ;
Date: c1780-1800
East Essex Militia (2nd pattern)
Ref No: 194-
Image Source: Private
Notes: The East Essex Militia were formed in 1759 and became the Essex Rifles Militia in 1853 during this period they had five styles of known button of which this is the second
Description: E over EX within French scroll with dot at top join.
Category: English Infantry Militia;
Type of button: Flat; Metal: Pewter.
Backmark: None;
Date: c1780-c1790
East Suffolk Militia
Ref No: 248-
Image Source: ALt
Notes: Formed in 1759 one of three patterns known to the unit before they converted to Light Infantry in 1831.
Description: E RT. over SUFF in wreath
Category: English Infantry Militia;
Type of button: Convex 16mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, silver plated.; Backmark: None ;
Date: c1790
Frampton Volunteers
Ref No: 264-
Image Source: DP
Notes: A two Company Armed Association under Capt Nathaniel Winchcombe.
Description: FV surmounted by crown
Category: English Volunteer Infantry;
Type of button: Flat 18mm
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt; Backmark: None;
Date: 1798-1801
East Devonshire Volunteer Rifles
Ref No: 270-
Image Source: TP
Notes: The East Devonshire VR were formed in 1860 this button is believed to be to the 3rd which was raised in Honiton. The EDVR would later (1881) make up the 3rd battalion of the Devonshire Regt.
Description: EDVR over crowned hunting bugle.
Category: Volunteer Rifles;
Type of button: Convex; Metal: Pewter.
Backmark: Treble Standard;
Date: 1860-1881
Ermington Battalion
Ref No: 330-
Image Source: DB
Notes: Formed in 1803 as as one of seven units in the Devon (Southern Regt) the battalion was under Lt Col Samuel Archer and was recorded as having 463 effectives.
Description: ERMINGTON BATTN below central crown
Category: English Infantry Militia;
Type of button: Slightly Convex ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilded; Backmark: None ;
Date: 1803-c1812
(1st) East Kent Vol Bttn
Ref No: 333-
Image Source: D. O.
Notes: The 1st East Kent Volunteer Battalion was later the 'Ashford Regiment of Local Militia' but changed in a year to '1st East Kent Local Militia'
Description: EAST KENT VOL BTTN around floral design.
Category: English Infantry Militia;
Type of button: Convex 18mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy; Backmark: None ;
Date: 1803-1808
Earl of Chesters Legion
Ref No: 334-
Image Source: D.O.
Notes: The Earl of Chester's Battalion was a large double battalion although it is likely the Loyal Knutsford Volunteers wore their own unifrom.
Description: PoW feathers surrounded by EARL OF CHESTERS LEGION under crown.
Category: English Volunteer Infantry;
Type of button: Slightly convex; Metal: Copper Alloy.
Backmark: None;
Date: 1803-08
(2nd) East Yorks Militia
Ref No: 339-
Image Source: Sylverskin via UK Detectornet
Notes: An unusual Yorkshire find to the 2nd East Yorks Militia.
Description: EYM 2 within eight pointed star and decorated edge
Category: English Supplementry Militia;
Type of button: Slightly Convex 19mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilded; Backmark: None ;
Date: c1797-c1801
East Glamorgan Local Militia
Ref No: 412-
Image Source: Ross Mather
Notes: An unusual find from the Vale of Glamorgan being a new type to this unit which recruited from the Cardiff area, raised in Sept 1809 they were disbanded in 1816.
Description: EASTn GLAMORGAN LOCAL MILITIA around PoW feathers.
Category: Welsh Local Militia;
Type of button: Convex; Metal: Copper Alloy gilded.
Backmark: FIRMIN & WESTALL STRAND;
Date: 1809-1816
East Kent Militia
Ref No: 413-
Image Source: Mark A.
Notes: The final pattern to the unit before they became he 3rd battalion of the Buffs.
Description:Kentish Horse with INVICTA around surmounted by crown
Category: English Infantry Militia;
Type of button: Convex ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, Silver plated; Backmark: ;
Date: c1833-c1881
East Middlesex Militia
Ref No: 414-
Image Source: Malcolm Duff.
Notes: The first of three designs known to he East Middlesex Militia who were first raised in 1760 before gaining the Royal title in 1804.
Description: Middlesex crest under coronet.
Category: English Infantry Militia;
Type of button: Flat 17mm ;
Metal: Pewter; Backmark: None ;
Date: c1780-c1800
East Suffolk Militia
Ref No: 415-
Image Source: D. Metson
Notes: The unit converted to Light Infantry in 1831 and this is the second and final pattern to them before in 1853 they became artillery.
Description: ES entwined within crowned bugle
Category: English Infantry Militia;
Type of button: Convex 16mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy; Backmark: None ;
Date: 1831-53.
Essex Hinckford Yeomanry
Ref No: 416-
Image Source: Kevin P
Notes: A tentative albeit likely ID as no other EHYs exist in milita listings. The unit was a Cavalry Association whose CO later appears with the Hinckford Vol Infantry.
Description: EHY monogram under crown
Category: Yeomanry Cavalry;
Type of button: Flat 22mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, Silvered; Backmark: None;
Date: 1798-1801
Fishguard & Newport Volunteers
Ref No: 426-
Image Source: Detecting Button Finds UK, FB group
Notes: A not listed armed association raised locally by local landowner William Knox as a response to the governments call to arms.
Description: PoW feathers over letters FNV
Category: Welsh Volunteer Infantry;
Type of button: Flat
Metal: Copper Alloy; Backmark;
Date: 1794-c1803
Ewelme Loyal Volunteers
Ref No: 782-
Image Source: DP
Notes: An attributed example to this small Oxfordshire unit.
Description: ELV under crown
Category: Volunteer Infantry;
Type of button: Flat 16mm;
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered; Backmark: I NUTTING COVENT GARDEN;
Date: 1803-1808
East Ross Volunteers
Ref No: 820-
Image Source: DP
Notes: The East Ross Vols are a Sutherland unit.
Description: ERV monogram under crown surrounded by thistle
Category: Scottish Infantry Volunteers;
Type of button: Flat 16mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt; Backmark: None ;
Date: 1794-1801
Fifeshire Fencibles
Ref No: 830-
Image Source: DP
Notes: .
Description: FIFESHIRE FENCIBLES around central crown
Category: Scottish Fencibles;
Type of button: Slightly convex 19mm
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered; Backmark; None
Date: 1794-1800
Framlingham Loyal Volunteers
Ref No: 869-
Image Source: DP
Notes: An attractive design to the unit that was an Armed Association.
Description: CHURCH AND KING surmounted by crown with FRAMLINGHAM LOYAL VOLUNTEERS around edge
Category: English Volunteer Infantry;
Type of button: Flat 16mm(21mm also now recorded)
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered; Backmark: None;
Date: 1798-1801
East Norfolk Militia
Ref No: 881-
Image Source: DP
Notes: An early example to the East Norfolk Militia who were founded in 1758. This is believed to be the second of four types known to this unit.
Description: E over NORFOLK over B(attalion)
Category: English Infantry Militia;
Type of button: Flat 19mm ;
Metal: Pewter; Backmark: None ;
Date: c1770-1780
Freebridge & Smithdon YC
Ref No: 886-
Image Source: DP
Notes: A short lived Norfolk unit.
Description: Central crown with FS aside and YC vertically.
Category: Yeomanry Cavalry;
Type of button: Convex 16mm
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered; Backmark: None;
Date: 1798-1801
(1st) East Devon Militia
Ref No: 895-
Image Source: DP
Notes: This is the third known pattern to this unit which was formed into three regiments in 1763.
Description: Central crown with 1st DEVN REGT below.
Category: English Infantry Militia;
Type of button: Slightly convex 22mm;
Metal: Copper Alloy gilt. Backmark: FIRMIN & WESTALL STRAND;
Date: c1790-1820
Exeter Loyal Association
Ref No: 900-
Image Source: DP
Notes: A nice example to a local Armed Assoc.
Description: Stylised ELA under crown
Category: Armed Assoc.;
Type of button: Flat 16.5mm;
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered; Backmark: None;
Date: 1798-1801
East Budleigh Local Militia
Ref No: 902-
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
Notes: East Budleigh Local Militia was raised on 24 Sept 1808 unit under the command of Col John, Lord Rolle.
Description: EB in central circle in eight pointed star.
Category: English Local Militia;
Type of button: Convex 20mm;
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered. Backmark: FIRMIN & CO LONDON;
Date: 1808-1816
Eastern Dorest Local Militia
Ref No: 924-
Image Source: DP
Notes: The Eastern Regt was raised on 19 December 1808 under the command of Lt Col Com Edmund Pleydell, raised from the Blandford area of the county.
Description: Crowned LM with EASTERN DOREST curved below.
Category: Local Militia;
Type of button: Convex 19mm;
Metal: Copper Alloy, played. Backmark: JENNENS & CO LONDON;
Date: 1808-1816
Eling & Milbrook Vols
Ref No: 956-
Image Source: DP
Notes: A unit formed near Southampton, Hampshire.
Description: EMV below crown
Category: English Volunteer Infantry;
Type of button: Slightly Convex 16.5mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt; Backmark: None ;
Date: c1798-1815
