BUTTONS
BRITISH MILITARY
The largest database of early British Military Buttons
Contact us by email: britishmilitarybuttons@gmail.com​
Pontefract Volunteers ​
Ref No: 025- ​
​Image Source: UK Detectornet
​Notes: The Earliest commission dates are 24 August 1797, Disbanded or stood down in 1801/2 they were re-raised in 1803 as a Battalion of 10 Companies (785 strong). The Corps does not appear to have formed part of the relevant Local Militia regiment in 1808.
​​​Description: Pontefract Volunteers written around castle surmounted by crown. Category: English Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Flat; Metal: Copper Alloy silvered.; Backmark: None;
​Date: 1803-1814
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 used the 'Royal' title unoficially 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 P-R
(1st) Royal Devon Yeomanry​
Ref No: 057- ​
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
​Notes: This is the first pattern button to the unit known. The unit served without pay from 1828-31 in 1920 it transferred to the Royal Artillery.
​​​Description​: 1 RDY under crown with leaf eedging ​ ​​
Category:​​ Yeomanry Cavalry; ​
Type of button: Convex front, flat back 17mm ​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, silver plated; Backmark: Stillwell London;
​Date​: c1828-1840 ​
(1st) Royal Devon Volunteer Cavalry​
Ref No: 060- ​​
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
​Notes: The unit gained the 'Royal' title in 1803 and the buttons appear to have been amended to show this by the addition of an R above the crown. This dates the button post 1803, to see the earlier version see Ref No. 50 under D.
​​​Description: 'R' above crown, '1' and 'D' either side and 'V.C' below ​ ​Category:​​ Yeomanry Cavalry; ​
Type of button: Convex 17mm ​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy . Backmark​: None ;​
Date: c1803-1813
Royal Pembroke Militia​
Ref No: 061- ​
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
​Notes: Royal Pembroke Militia, were granted the 'Royal' title in 1804, though probably used it before that. They were elevated to Fusiliers in 1808, to Light Infantry in 1810 and Rifles in 1811, eventually being converted to Artillery in 1853. Its likely that this version is c1804-1811 whereafter a Rifles pattern would have been adopted
​​​Description: Prince of Wales feathers under crown with 'Royal Pembroke' below ​ ​Category:​​ Welsh Militia; ​
Type of button: Domed front flat backed, 20mm​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy; Backmark: I Nutting King St Covent Garden;
​Date​: c1804-1811 ​
Pocklington Volunteers​
Ref No: 048- ​
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
​Notes: The Pocklington Vols. 1803-08, were a 3 Company (360 strong) unit under Major-Commandant Robert Denison.
​​​Description: Crown encircled by the words 'Pockington Volunteers' ​​
Category:​​English Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Dished 20mm ​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, silver plated .; Backmark: None ;
​Date​: ​c1800-1816
Royal Liverpool Fuziliers​
Ref No: 108- ​
Image Source: ​UK Detectornet
​Notes: Dating 1803-08 this style of button has been forged in more recent times, so beware of fakes.
​​​Description: Central crown, with ROYAL LIVERPOOL FUZILIERS written in strap ​
Category:​​ English Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Concave ​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, silver plated. Backmark: ;
Date: 1803-1808
(1st) Royal Dublin Volunteers​
Ref No: 078- ​
Image Source: ​UK Detector Finds Database
​Notes: There were scores of Dublin Vols in the National Army of 1782-1794, but they did not appear to use 'Royal'. Certainly there are no Dublin Vols by the time of the 1820 and 1825 Lists.
​​​Description: Crowned harp with number '1' to left and 'REGT' to right, surrounded by text 'ROYAL DUBLIN VOLUNTEERS' ​
Category:​​ Irish Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Flat 17mm ​; ​Metal: Copper Alloy Gilded . Backmark: None ;
Date: c1796-1814
Ripon Volunteers ​
Ref No: 083- ​
​Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
​Notes: The Ripon Vols were formed in 1794 under Captain John Dalton, a 1 Company affair. Re-raised in 1803 on a much larger basis 4 to 5 Companies with a strength of 284, under Lieut-Col-Commandant Richard Wood, (standard infantry) the corps later formed a large part of the Claro Local Militia of 1808-1816.
​​​Description: RIPON VOLUNTEERS around light infantry shield and wreath. Category: English Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Flat 24mm;​ ​
Metal: Copper Alloy guilded.; Backmark: None;
​Date: 1794-1814
Royal Cheshire Militia ​
Ref No: 086- ​
​Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
​Notes: The Cheshire Militia was formed in 1759 and commenced using the Royal Title soon after. This is the fourth of five types known and pre dates the Light Infantry version that comes into use in 1858. ​
​​​Description: Eight pointed star surmounted by crown Prince of Wales feathers in middle with 1 ROYAL CHESHIRE written around.
Category: English Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Convex 25mm; ​Metal: Copper Alloy.; Backmark: None;
​Date: 1799-1858
Rochester Volunteers ​
Ref No: 095- ​
​Image Source: UK Detectornet
​Notes: One of two or possibly even three patterns worn by the Rochester Vols who were disbanded by 1873. This style of button was unatrributed for some time but many have been found across Kent leading to the confirmation. ​
​​​Description: RV Monogram under crown.
Category: ​English Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Flat​; ​Metal: Copper Alloy.; Backmark: None;
​Date: c1794-1873
Royal Denbigshire Militia ​
Ref No: 103- ​
​Image Source: UK Detectornet
​Notes: This Royal Denbighshire Militia (County) button dates c1804-1813 after which they were converted to Rifles. ​
​​​Description: Prince of Wales feathers with ROYAL DENBIGH written below.
Category: County Militia; ​
Type of button: Flat​; ​Metal: Copper Alloy, silver plated.; Backmark:;
​Date: 1799-1858
Royal South Lincoln Militia (2nd pattern)​
Ref No: 104- ​
Image Source: UK Detectornet
​Notes: The South Lincoln Militia was formed in 1759, this style of button is the second type (of seven) known and can be dated to the period 1793-1803 when the unit held the precedent number 3.
​​​Description: Inscribed star with 3 over M surrounded by ROYAL SOUTH LINCOLN ​ ​Category:​​ English Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Flat​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy; Backmark;
​Date​: c1793-1803 ​
Royal Clarence Volunteers ​
Ref No: 107- ​
​Image Source: UK Detectornet
​Notes: The Royal Clarence Volunteers (Cardiganshire) were formed in 1803 as a 530 strong battalion, they were disbanded in 1808​. ​
​​​Description: Prince of Wales feathers with monogram letters RCV written below.
Category:​ Welsh Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Flat​; ​Metal: Copper Alloy, silver plated.; Backmark:;
​Date: 1803-1808
Royal North Lincolnshire Militia​
Ref No: 075- ​
Image Source: ​UK Detector Finds Database
​Notes: The North Lincolnshire Militia was formed in 1759, gaining the royal title the following year. This style appears to be the second of five known designs. The unit later formed the 3rd battalion of the Lincolnshire Regt.
​​​Description: RNL in eight pointed star under crown ​
Category:​​ English Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Concave 15mm ​; ​
Metal: Pewter. Backmark: None ;
Date: c1800-1810
Royal Bucks Militia (4th pattern) ​
Ref No: 111- ​
​Image Source: MY
​Notes: They were formed in 1760 as the Buckinghamshire Militia and became Royal (or Kings Own) in 1794. They became the 3rd battalion of the Oxfordshire Light Light Infantry in 1881. The button itself is the fourth of five patterns records for this unit. and probably runs from c1820-c1855.
​​​Description: Lion under crown with KINGS OWN MILITIA in strap and ROYAL BUCKS below.
Category: English Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Slightly convex​; ​Metal: Copper Alloy.; Backmark: None;
​Date: c1820-1855
Royal Cheshire Militia ​
Ref No: 113- ​
​Image Source: UK Detectornet
​Notes: The Cheshire Militia was formed in 1759 and commenced using the Royal Title soon after. This is the second of five types known. ​
​​​Description: Eight pointed star with Prince of Wales feathers in middle with 1 ROYAL CHESHIRE written around.
Category: English Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Slightly Convex​; ​Metal: Copper Alloy.; Backmark;
​Date: c1790-1810
Royal Cumberland Militia ​
Ref No: 084- ​
​Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
​Notes: The Cumberland Militia was formed in 1760 gaining the Royal title in 1804, this is the second of four types known to the unit and the first including the Royal title​. ​
​​​Description: RCM in centre of eight pointed star.
Category: English Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Convex 24mm​; ​Metal: Copper Alloy, gilded.; Backmark TOMLINSON & BICKLEY:;
​Date: C1804-1820
Ramsgate Volunteers ​
Ref No: 121- ​
​Image Source: UK Detectornet
​Notes: (See also Royston Volunteers) This style of Button is believed to be from the Ramsgate Vols (1794-1801), and possibly was used by other units also. They were a separate corps from the Ramsgate Artillery Vols. (1797-1801). Neither unit was re-raised in 1803.
​​​Description: Crown over RV with LOYALTY LIBERTY PROPERTY around edge on strap. Category: English Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Flat​;​ ​
Metal: Copper Alloy gilded.; Backmark: None;
​Date: 1794-1801
Penzance Volunteers​
Ref No: 123- ​
Image Source: NN
​Notes: The Penzance Volunteers were tasked defending the shores of West Penwith Cornwall​.
​​​Description: Bust of John the Baptist on platter surrounded above by PENZANCE and below by VOLUNTEERS ​​
Category:​​​ English Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Flat 24mm ​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, silver plated .; Backmark: None ;
​Date​: ​1794-1797
Royal Radnorshire Militia​
Ref No: 125- ​
Image Source: UK Detectornet
​Notes: Royal Radnorshire Militia, in use from when they were granted the Royal title in 1803 until 1810 when the regiment became Light Infantry, they later converted to Rifles in 1853.
​​​Description: Prince of Wales feathers with letters R either side and M below. ​ ​Category:​​ Welsh Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Convex​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilded; Backmark​ T SHAW HEMMINGS ROW LONDON;
​Date​: 1803-1810 ​
Royal Bucks Militia ​
Ref No: 134- ​
​Image Source: Colchester Treasure Hunting Club
​Notes: They were formed in 1760 as the Buckinghamshire Militia and became Royal (or Kings Own) in 1794. The button itself is the first with the Royal title probably dating it from 1794-c1810 (for earlier example see B for BUCKS).
​​​Description: Crowned GRIII cypher with KINGS OWN MILITIA ROYAL BUCKS around edge. ​
Category: ​English Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Flat​; ​Metal​: Copper Alloy.; Backmark:;
​Date: c1794-1820
Portsoken Volunteers ​
Ref No: 153- ​
​Image Source: SN
​Notes: ​Originally formed in 1798 this style of button pertains to post the 1803 raising when they are part of 7th London Loyal Volunteers Regiment.
​​​Description: Crown in centre with PORTSOKEN underneath and N.E. LLV above. Category: English Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Convex​;​ ​
Metal: Copper Alloy gilded.; Backmark: Treble Gilt;
​Date: ​1798-1812
(4th Batt) Royal Army of Reserve ​
Ref No: 154- ​
​Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
​Notes: A button to the 4th Battalion which was one of the 16 Battalions of the Royal Army of the Reserve were raised in 1803 and were to be styled Garrison Bns (as from 30 Oct 1804) but were all disbanded 24 Feb 1805.
​​​Description: Crown with ROYAL ARMY above OF RESERVE below with '4th' and 'Bttn' to left and right . ​
Category: ​Army of Reserve; ​
Type of button: Convex​; ​Metal​: Copper Alloy. Backmark:;
​Date: 1803-1805
Rifle Volunteers ​
Ref No: 158- ​
​Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
​Notes: A generic pattern of button worn by some Rifle Volunteer units from their formation in 1859​. ​
​​​Description: Bugle horn under crown. Category: Rifle Volunteers; ​
Type of button: Convex front flat back​; ​Metal: Copper Alloy.; ​
Backmark: HERBERT & Co LONDON;
​Date: c1859-1881
(1st) Royal Lancashire Supplementary Militia​
Ref No: 164- ​
Image Source: ​UK Detector Finds Database
​Notes: A button to the 1st Royal Lancashire Supplementary Militia dating to 1797-1799 when the regiment then became the 2nd Royal Lancashire Militia. The back mark dates to a slightly earlier period and is presumably from an old die.
​​​Description: 2 RLSM on eight pointed star under crown ​
Category:​​ English Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Slightly convex 20.5mm ​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy Gilded . Backmark: S FIRMIN STRAND ;
Date: 1797-1799
(3rd) Royal Lancashire Militia​
Ref No: 047- ​
Image Source: ​UK Detector Finds Database
​Notes: The 3rd Royal Lancs Militia were formed in 1798, in1813 they became the 3rd Prince of Regents Own, Royal Lancs Militia, before eventually in 1881 making up the 3rd and 4th battalions of The Loyal North Lancs Regt. This is the third of seven types known to this unit.
​​​Description: 3 RL on eight pointed star under crown ​
Category:​​ English Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Concave 19mm ​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy Guilded . Backmark: None ;
Date: c1810
(2nd) Royal Lancashire Militia​
Ref No: 188-
​Image Source: ​D.O.
​Notes: The earlier Supplementary Militia became the 2nd Royal Lancs in 1799 and stayed as the second county Militia Regiment until the 1881 reforms.
​​​Description: 2 over RL under crown ​
Category:​​ English Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Flat ​; ​
Metal: Pewter . Backmark: None ;
Date: c1799-1810
Royal West London Militia​
Ref No: 142- ​
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
​Notes: Other ranks button for the Royal West London Militia c1804 when they became 'Royal' and1820 when amalgamated with the Royal East London Militia. This is the third type known to this unit
​​​Description: RWLM in crowned eight pointed star ​ ​​
Category:​​ English Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Slightly convex 16mm​; ​
Metal: Pewter; Backmark None;
​Date​: c1804-1820 ​
Royal York Rangers​
Ref No: 201- ​
Image Source: Private
​Notes: ​The unit served in the West Indies and Canada before disbandment in 1814.
​​​Description: Central crown with ROYAL above and YORK RANGERS below ​ ​​
Category:​​ English Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Slightly convex; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy; Backmark None;
​Date​: c1804-1814 ​
Royal South Lincoln Militia (1st pattern)​
Ref No: 202- ​
Image Source: Private
​Notes: The South Lincoln Militia was formed in 1759, this style of button is the first type (of seven) known and can be dated to the period c1760-1793 when the unit gained the precedent number 3 (see below).
​​​Description: Inscribed star surrounded by ROYAL SOUTH LINCOLN ​
​​Category:​​ English Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Flat​; ​
Metal: Pewter; Backmark None;
​Date​: c1760-1793 ​
Prince of Wales Loyal Volunteers ​
Ref No: 210- ​
​Image Source: ​
​Notes: ​​A large unit listed under 'Westminster' in the 1804/07 War office Lists under Lt Col. Commandant Miles Peter Andrews.
​​​Description: PWLV in sylised monogram script.
Category: English Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Flat​;​ ​
Metal: Copper Alloy.; Backmark: ;
​Date: ​1804-1807
Royal South Gloucestershire Militia​
Ref No: 235- ​
Image Source: UK Detectornet
​Notes: The South Gloucestershire Militia were formed in 1759 and became 'Royal' in 1794, there are three known button types to this unit, this is the third dating to post 1815 when they gained the Light Infantry title.
​​​Description: Crowned Bugle with SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE MILITIA around ​
​​Category:​​ English Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Convex​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy; Backmark ;
​Date​: c1760-1793 ​
Royal Cheviot Legion ​
Ref No: 254- ​
​Image Source: Al Luckenbach
​Notes: The Cheviot Legion were raised in 1798 and became Royal in 1803, based in Northumberland their muster point was the village of Glanton​. ​
​​​Description: ROYAL CHEVIOT LEGION below crown.
Category:​ English Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Flat 20mm​ ; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy.; Backmark:None;
​Date: c1803-1816
Royal Dublin Militia​
Ref No: 256- ​
Image Source: ​Al Luckenbach
​Notes: An early pattern example to the Royal Dublin Militia.
​​​Description: Crowned GR surrounded by text ROYAL DUBLIN MILITIA ​
Category:​​ Irish Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Flat 21mm ​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, plated . Backmark: None ;
Date: c1793-1829
Royal India Docks Volunteers​
Ref No: 258- ​
Image Source: ​Al Luckenbach
​Notes: Believed to be to the Royal India Docks Volunteers.
​​​Description: RIDV within incised edge ​
Category:​​ English Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Flat 23mm ​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy . Backmark: None ;
Date: 1800-1814
Royston Volunteers​
Ref No: 281- ​
Image Source: Peter T
​Notes: ​(See also Rochester Volunteers) A number of these buttons have turned up spread across the country, three from Kent, two from Rutland and two from Cambs/Herts, so a speculative ID at this stage. The latest of those point to a strong contender being the Royston Armed Association who first exist as a one company unit 1799-1801, are enlarged by 1803 and no longer appear in the returns by 1808. Further recordings of this style are essential to provide a more conclusive ID.
​​​Description: Crown over R*V with LOYALTY LIBERTY PROPERTY around edge on strap. ​ ​​
Category:​​ English Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Flat; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilded; Backmark None;
​Date​: 1799-1808 ​
Royal Tyrone Militia​
Ref No: 288- ​
Image Source: PAS Databse Ref No. SUR-6AEDB4
​Notes: Found near Guildford a sixth known pattern to this unit.
​​​Description: ROYAL TYRONE MILTIA around VR on eight pointed crowned star ​
​Category:​​ Irish Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Convex Flat back 25mm​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered; Backmark JENNENS & CO LONDON;
​Date​: 1855-1881 ​
Petworth Volunteers​
Ref No: 290- ​
Image Source: PAS Database Ref No. SUR-83EB63
​Notes: Found near to Petworth in the parish of Lurgashall. The Petworth Volunteers were raised in 1797 as a one company unit, they were not re-raised in the 1803 raisings​.
​​​Description: PETWORTH VOLUNTEERS around central crown ​​
Category:​​​ English Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Flat 24mm ​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilded .; Backmark: None ;
​Date​: ​1797-1803
Royal Invalids​
Ref No: 298- ​
Image Source: ​DP
​Notes: The Royal Invalids were units made up of men who were deemed unfit from front line service. The name was changed in 1802 by parliament as being derogatory and the units became Royal Garrison Battalions and Royal Veteran Battalions in 1804.
​​​Description: RI within crowned buckle ​
Category:​​ English Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Flat 23mm ​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy . Backmark: None ;
Date: 1794-1802
Royal Exchange Division​
Ref No: 307- ​
Image Source: ​Martin from Australia
​Notes: An unusual Australian find to the Royal Exchange Division who were formed in 1799 before in 1803 making up part of the 1st Loyal London Volunteers.
​​​Description: Crown over letters R.E.D.L.L.V ​
Category:​​ English Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Flat 20mm ​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy. Backmark: None ;
Date: 1799-1803​​
Royal North Lincolnshire Militia​
Ref No: 309- ​
Image Source: ​PAS Database Ref SUR-2562D5
​Notes: A fine first pattern example found in Shipston on Stour Warwickshire. The North Lincolnshire Militia was formed in 1759. This style appears to be the first of five known designs. The unit later formed the 3rd battalion of the Lincolnshire Regt.
​​​Description: RNLM around crown ​
Category:​​ English Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Flat 24mm ​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy gilded. Backmark: FIRMIN & SONS ;
Date: c1790-1800
Rifle Volunteers ​
Ref No: 313- ​
​Image Source: Bob Sherlock
​Notes: An Oxfordshire find of a generic pattern of button worn by some Rifle Volunteer units from their formation in 1859​. ​
​​​Description: Bugle horn under crown.
Category: Rifle Volunteers; ​
Type of button: Convex 23mm​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy.; ​Backmark: None;
​Date: c1859-1881
Royal Westminster Volunteers​
Ref No: 326- ​
Image Source: Chris & Robert Dutnall
​Notes: Found on farmland in Canninighton Somerset a nice example to the Royal Westminster Vols.
​​​Description: RWV under crowned portcullis ​ ​​
Category:​​ English Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Flat 16mm​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy gilded; Backmark ;
​Date​: 1803-1816 ​
(1st) Royal Lancashire Militia​
Ref No: 329-
​Image Source: Steven Waters.
​Notes: The 1st Royal Lancashire Militia were formed in 1760, becoming 'Royal' the following year. The unit survived until the 1881 reforms and this example from the back mark dates from 1794-1812.
​​​Description: RL within eight pointed star under crown ​
Category:​​ English Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Slightly convex ​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy gilded . Backmark: FIRMIN & WESTALL ;
Date: c1780-1812
Royal Bucks Yeomanry ​
Ref No: 350- ​
​Image Source: MY
​Notes: Originally formed in 1828-30 the unit was reformed in 1845 until later in 1899 becoming Hussars.
​​​Description: Crown separating RBY within decorted edge.
Category: English Yeomanry Cavalry; ​
Type of button: Convex​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy.; Backmark: Back Missing;
​Date: c1845-1899
(1st) Ross Local Militia ​
Ref No: 354- ​
​Image Source: Lord Roberts Collection
​Notes: The 1st Ross-Shire Local Militia or Western Regt hailed from Dingwall and was under Lt-Col Duncun Munro.
​​​Description: Central crown under ROSS and above 1st LOCAL MILITIA. ​
Category: ​Local Militia; ​
Type of button: Convex​ 21mm; ​
Metal​: Copper Alloy, gilded. Backmark:;
​Date: 1808-1816
Royal Liegois Regiment​
Ref No: 358- ​
Image Source: ​Will Helms
​Notes: A German from archaeological digs at the harbour, the Royal Liegois Regiment was a French Royalist Emigre Regiment which was in British service c1794-1801, they later became the Royal Etranger Regiment.
​​​Description: Crown over RL with TOUJOURS FIDELLE AU ROY around ​
Category:​​ British Emigre unit; ​
Type of button: Flat 21mm ​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy Guilded . Backmark: None ;
Date: c1794-1801
Rohan Regiment ​
Ref No: 364- ​
​Image Source: Will Helms
​Notes: A German find to the short lived Rohan Regt. There was three units carrying the name but it is most likely this one belongs to the Light Division, formed 1794 and disbanded in 1797 with the survivors transferring to the Royal Emignrant Regt.
​​​Description: REGIMENT OF ROHAN 1794 around Y under crown. ​
Category: ​British Emigre Regt; ​
Type of button: Flat 17mm; ​
Metal​: Pewter. Backmark:....... Covent Garden;
​Date: 1794-1797
Royal York Fusilers​
Ref No: 370- ​
Image Source: Will Helms
​Notes: ​A German find to a unit that was raised from Germans in 1794 and served in Flanders, Hannover and England before going to Grenada in 1796 where they disbanded a year later.
​​​Description: Central crown with letters RYF around ​ ​​
Category:​​ British Emigre Regt; ​
Type of button: Slightly convex 18mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy; Backmark None;
​Date​: c1794-1797 ​
Redruth Volunteers ​
Ref No: 383- ​
​Image Source: Barry G.
​Notes: A short lived unit from Redruth in Cornwall.
​​​Description: PoW feathers and motto over shield with letters RV within.
Category: English Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Convex​;​ ​
Metal: Copper Alloy gilded.; Backmark: ;
​Date: 1803-1808
Penrhyan Volunteers​
Ref No: 398- ​
Image Source: Ben W
​Notes: ​.
​​​Description: PoW feathers with letters P V either side ​​
Category:​​​ English Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Flat ​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, silver plated .; Backmark: None ;
​Date​: ​c1794-1816
Royal Westminster Middlesex LI​
Ref No: 399- ​
Image Source: James S.
​Notes: Found in Scotland and dating to post 1853 when the unit gained the light infantry designation.
​​​Description: Westminster & Middlesex arms under crown atop hunting bugle ​ ​​
Category:​​ English Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Slightly convex 25mm​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy silvered; Backmark ;
​Date​: c1853-1881 ​
Royal South Lincoln Militia (4th pattern)​
Ref No: 421- ​
Image Source: Jude Gillick (Aged 9, also the finder)
​Notes: The South Lincoln Militia was formed in 1759, this style of button is the fourth type (of seven) known and can be dated to after the period 1803 when the unit held the precedent number 3.
​​​Description: Inscribed star with 14 surrounded by ROYAL SOUTH LINCOLN ​ ​Category:​​ English Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Flat​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy; Backmark;
​Date​: 1804-c1820 ​
Queens Own Worcstershire YC ​
Ref No: 778- ​
​Image Source: DP​
​Notes: ​​The Queens Own title was bestowed on Dec 6 1837, hence the back mark.
​​​Description: QUEENS OWN WYC around crowned VR monogram script.
Category: Yeomanry Cavalry; ​
Type of button: Convex 18mm​;​ ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered. Backmark: DECEMBER 6 1837;
​Date: ​1838-1870
Rutland Militia​
Ref No: 793- ​
Image Source: DP.
​​​Description: RM within French scroll ​ ​​
Category:​​ English Militia; ​
Type of button: Flat 17mm​; ​
Metal: Pewter; Backmark None ;
​Date​: c1780-1800 ​
​Notes: The only R in English units that this can relate to. Whilst there are Welsh and Scottish units with the same initial they are well recorded for this period and thus unlikley to have another example.
Rutland Militia​
Ref No: 794- ​
Image Source: DP.
​​​Description: Downward facing horsehoe, crowned within scalloped edge ​ ​​
Category:​​ English Militia; ​
Type of button: Convex 17.5mm​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy silvered; Backmark SHERLOCK & CO COVT GARDEN ;
​Date​: c1840-1855 ​
​Notes: The Rutlandshire Militia became 'Rifles' in 1852 and 'Light Infantry' in 1855.
Rutland Yeomanry Cavalry​
Ref No: 795- ​
Image Source: DP.
​​​Description: Downward facing horsehoe over RY in outer rim ​ ​​
Category:​​ Yeomanry Cavalry; ​
Type of button: Slightly convex 25mm​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy silvered; Backmark DOLAN & SON GATE ST LONDON ;
​Date​: c1794-c1797 ​
​Notes: A nice early example to the early days of the unit.
Rutland Legion Yeomanry​
Ref No: 796- ​
Image Source: DP.
​​​Description: Crown with RL either side and Y below ​ ​​
Category:​​ Yeomanry Cavalry; ​
Type of button: Convex 16mm​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy silvered; Backmark LEDSAM & SONS LONDON ;
​Date​: 1803-1828 ​
​Notes: Final example to the unit before the changes of 1828-30 ended the role of may Yeomanry units.
Radbourne Troop YC ​
Ref No: 805- ​
​Image Source: DP.
​Notes: The Radbourne Troop was part of the Derbyshire Yeomanry Cavalry.
​​​Description: RTYC monogram crowned.
Category: Yeomanry Cavalry; ​
Type of button: Convex 15mm​;​ ​
Metal: Copper Alloy gilt. Backmark: None;
​Date: 1839-1864
Royal Sherwood Foresters Militia​
Ref No: 806- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The third of four known designs to the unit who gained the Royal title in 1813.
​​​Description: Crown in star with ROYAL SHERWOOD FORESTERS around ​
​​Category:​​ English Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Convex 15mm; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, plated; Backmark JENNENS & CO LONDON;
​Date​: c1835-1855 ​
Royal South Lincoln Militia (1st pattern)​
Ref No: 810- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: An officers example of the first known pattern to the Royal South Lincoln Militia.
​​​Description: Inscribed star surrounded by ROYAL SOUTH LINCOLN ​
​​Category:​​ English Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Flat 24mm​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt; Backmark Unreadable;
​Date​: c1780-1793 ​
Rothiemurchus Volunteers ​
Ref No: 819- ​
​Image Source: DP
​Notes: The flaming hill top was the crest of Maj Commandant John Peter Grant, the unit is listed as the Strathspey, Rothiemurchus & Kincairn Battalion.
​​​Description: ROTHIEMURCHUS above burning hill top and foreground thistles. ​
Category: ​Scottish Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Flat​ 20.5mm; ​
Metal​: Pewter. Backmark: None;
​Date: 1803-1808
Reay Fencibles ​
Ref No: 824- ​
​Image Source: DP.
​Notes: The Reay Fencibles was a Caithness unit.
​​​Description: REAY FENCILBLES above crowned thistle.
Category: Scootish Fencible; ​
Type of button: Flat 15mm​;​ ​
Metal: Copper Alloy silvered. Backmark: None;
​Date: 1794-1799
Perth Highland Fencibles​
Ref No: 825- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: An usual finely raised example to the PHF​.
​​​Description: PHF in oval under thistles all under crown ​​
Category:​​​ Scottish Fencibles; ​
Type of button: Flat 20mm ​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered. Backmark: NUTTING COVENT GARDEN;
​Date​: ​c1797-c1803
Rothsay & Caithness Fencibles​
Ref No: 826- ​
​Image Source: DP
​Notes: A finely raised example to the R&CF.
​​​Description: ROTHSAY & CAITHNESS FENCIBLES around PoW feather. ​
Category: ​Scottish Fencible; ​
Type of button: Flat​ 17mm; ​
Metal​: Copper Alloy, silvered. Backmark: None;
​Date: 1794-1800
Royal Anglessey Fusiliers​
Ref No: 836- ​
​Image Source: DP
​Notes: The double S in Anglesey is an interesting point to note on this example.
​​​Description: ROYAL ANGLESSEY above PoW feathers and FUSILIERS below. ​
Category: ​Welsh Volunteers; ​
Type of button: Convex 13mm; ​
Metal​: Copper Alloy, silvered. Backmark: W. WILLIAMS LONDON;
​Date: 1792-1810
Royal Denbigshire Militia ​
Ref No: 839- ​
​Image Source: DP
​Notes: This design is also known in the 15mm diameter buttons. ​
​​​Description: Prince of Wales feathers with R D written either side.
Category: Welsh Militia; ​
Type of button: Flat,24mm ; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt. Backmark: S FIRM STRAND
​Date: c1789-c1804
Royal Flintshire Militia​
Ref No: 840- ​
Image Source: ​DP
​Notes: The RFM were formed as the Flintshire Militia in 1759 before gaining the Royal title in 1794.
​​​Description: PoW feathers over RFM ​
Category:​​ Welsh Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Flat 15mm ​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, silver plated. Backmark: I NUTTING COVENT GARDEN ;
Date: c1794-1803​​
Royal Glamorganshire Militia​
Ref No: 841- ​
Image Source: ​DP
​Notes: The RGM were formed as the Glamorganshire Militia in 1760 before gaining the Royal title in 1782.
​​​Description: PoW feathers with ROYAL GLAMORGAN MILITIA around edge ​
Category:​​ Welsh Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Convex 18mm ​; ​
Metal: Pewter. Backmark: DOUGHTY & CO LONDON ;
Date: c1800-1830​​
Royal Monmouth (LI) Militia​
Ref No: 842- ​
Image Source: ​DP
​Notes: Formed as the Monmouthshire Militia in 1759, the royal title was gained in 1820. The 31 precadent number was carried by the unit from 1852-56.
​​​Description: Hunting bugle with 31 centrally placed under crown ​
Category:​​ Welsh Infantry Militia; ​
Type of button: Convex 19mm ​; ​
Metal: Pewter. Backmark: HERBERT & CO LONDON;
Date: 1852-1856
Royal Maylor Cavalry​
Ref No: 846- ​
Image Source: ​DP
​Notes: .
​​​Description: PoW crest with R M either side and C below ​
Category:​​ Welsh Cavalry; ​
Type of button: Slightly convex 17.5mm ​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy silvered. Backmark: PLATED (under crown);
Date: 1803-1828
Royal Camathanshire LM Fusiliers ​
Ref No: 848- ​
​Image Source: DP
​Notes: The first regiment was formed in Sept 1808 under Colonel George Lord Dynevor wa reduced in 1813.
​​​Description: PoW feathers with R C either side over LF at bottom.
Category: Welsh Local Militia; ​
Type of button: Convex 18mm​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt. Backmark: None;
​Date: 1803-1813
Royal Eastern Montgomery LM​
Ref No: 849- ​
Image Source: ​DP
​Notes: It is interesting to note the word ROYAL was reduced to R. on this units example whereas the western unit used the full word ROYAL (REF 850).
​​​Description: R. EASTERN MONTGOMERY around PoW crest over RFM ​
Category:​​ Welsh Local Militia; ​
Type of button: Convex 19mm ​; ​
Metal: Pewter. Backmark: None ;
Date: 1808-1816​​
Royal Western Montgomery LM​
Ref No: 850- ​
Image Source: ​DP
​Notes: It is interesting to note the word ROYAL on this units example whereas the easstern unit used R. instead (REF 850).
​​​Description: ROYAL WESTERN MONTGOMERY around PoW crest over LM ​
Category:​​ Welsh Local Militia; ​
Type of button: Convex 19mm ​; ​
Metal: Pewter. Backmark: T SHAW HEMMIGS ROW ;
Date: 1808-1816​​
Royal Manx Fencibles​
Ref No: 851- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: An other ranks example to the IoM Fencibles.
​​​Description: ROYAL MANX FENCIBLES around IoM crest. ​
Category: ​Fencibles; ​
Type of button: Flat 21mm; ​
Metal​: Pewter. Backmark: None;
​Date: 1793-1815
Royal Manx Fencibles​
Ref No: 852- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: An officers example to the IoM Fencibles.
​​​Description: ROYAL MANX FENCIBLES around IoM crest. ​
Category: ​Fencibles; ​
Type of button: Flat 16mm; ​
Metal​: Copper Alloy gilt. Backmark: I NUTTING COVENT GARDEN;
​Date: 1793-1815
Royal Manchester Volunteers​
Ref No: 853- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: A fine example to the Manchster Vols.
​​​Description: Central rose under crown with R M aside and V below. ​
Category: ​English Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Flat 20mm; ​
Metal​: Copper alloy gilt. Backmark: None;
​Date: 1803-1808
Risbridge Volunteers ​
Ref No: 874- ​
​Image Source: DP
​Notes: An nusual find to a small unit​. ​
​​​Description: RISBRIDGE VOLUNTEERS on outer edge around crown.
Category: English Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Slightly convex 18mm​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, plated. ​Backmark: None;
​Date: 1803-1808
Royal Cornwall Militia​
Ref No: 890- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The unit gained the Royal title in 1794, prior to this they were the Cornwall Militia andused the example on the C page, REF 889.
​​​Description: Central rose under crown with RCM below. ​
Category: ​English Infantry Mili; ​
Type of button: Slight convex 18mm; ​
Metal​: Copper alloy plated. Backmark: I NUTTING LONDON;
​Date: 1794-1820
Pendennis Regt of Artillery​
Ref No: 891- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The unit was a Cornish Volunteer Artillery unit ​
​​​Description: Central GR script with PENDENNIS REGT OF ARTILLERY ​​
Category:​​​ English Volunteer Artillery; ​
Type of button: Convex 17.5mm ​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt. Backmark: I NUTTING & SON KING ST COVENT GARDEN
​Date​: ​1803-1815
Royal Stannary Local Militia (Artillery)​
Ref No: 892- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The units full name was the Royal Stannary Artillery Regt of Local Militia but used the title Royal Stannary Local Artillery hence the letters on the buuton. The unit was largely made up from miners who were normally exepmpted military service.
​​​Description: Ordnance shiled below PoW feathers with RS/ AL either side ​ ​Category:​​ English Volunteer Artillery; ​
Type of button: Slightly convex 21mm​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy; Backmark; I NUTTING & SON KING ST COVENT GARDEN
​Date​: 1808-1816 ​
Royal Cornwall Yeomanry ​
Ref No: 893- ​
​Image Source: DP
​Notes: The Royal used for this item was probably unoffically used and thus likely pertains to the 1820-27 period of reorganisation when the 1st CYC under the command of Sir Richard Vyvyan Bart. were regrouped. ​
​​​Description: GR and Crowned PoW feathers, YEOMANRY below, floral design aside.
Category:​ Yeomanry Cavalry; ​
Type of button: Flat​ 14mm ;
​Metal: Copper Alloy, silver plated. Backmark:None;
​Date: c1820-c1827
Plympton Volunteers​
Ref No: 898- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: The Plympton Battalion formed part of the South Devon Regt but clearly wore their own design of button​.
​​​Description: PLYMPTON BTTN around central crown ​​
Category:​​​ English Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Slightly convex 19mm ​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt. Backmark: GILT and rope design around shank ;
​Date​: ​1803-1808
Roborough Militia ​
Ref No: 899- ​
​Image Source: DP
​Notes: The Roborough Battalion (Plymouth) was raised on 24 October 1808 under Lt-Col Com Sir Manasseh Masseh Lopes. ​
​​​Description: ROBOROUGH MILITIA within crowned wreath.
Category: ​English Local Militia; ​
Type of button: Convex 20mm​; ​
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt. Backmark: None;
​Date: 1808-1816
Royal Bucks Militia ​
Ref No: 906- ​
​Image Source: DP
​Notes: They were formed in 1760 as the Buckinghamshire Militia and became Royal (or Kings Own) in 1794. The button itself follows on from the design above making it the second with the Royal title probably dating it from c1803-1820.
​​​Description: Crowned GRIII cypher with ROYAL BUCKS above and KINGS OWN MILITIA below. ​
Category: ​English Infantry Militia; ​Type of button: Slightly convex 22mm;
​Metal​: Copper Alloy plated . Backmark: I NUTTING & SON KING ST;
​Date: c1803-1820
Royal Bucks Local Militia ​
Ref No: 907- ​
​Image Source: DP
​Notes: A similar design to Infantry Militia the the 2nd or Middle Regt was raised from around Aylesbury under the command of Colonel Geo., Marquis of Buckingham.
​​​Description: Crowned GRIII cypher with ROYAL BUCKS KINGS OWN above LOCAL 2ND MILITIA below. ​
Category: ​English Local Militia; ​Type of button: Slightly convex 22mm;
​Metal​: Copper Alloy plated . Backmark: I NUTTING & SON KING ST COVENT GARDEN; Date: 1808-1816
Portland Island Infantry ​
Ref No: 923- ​
​Image Source: SN
​Notes: ​.
​​​Description: Crowned PII monorgamed letters.
Category: English Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Slightly convex 18mm;​ ​
Metal: Copper Alloy gilt.; Backmark: TREBLE GILT;
​Date: ​1803-1814
Portsdown (SE Hants YC) ​
Ref No: 943- ​
​Image Source: DP
​Notes: ​An usual incised design to the South East Hants Yeomanry.
​​​Description: P over OR over SEH over YC.
Category: Yeomanry Cavalry; ​
Type of button: Full ball 14mm;​ ​
Metal: Copper Alloy silvered.; Backmark: None;
​Date: ​1803-1830
Royal Hampshire Volunteers​
Ref No: 953- ​
Image Source: DP
​Notes: A bit of a mystery as here is no unit listed as such in any surving documents. As several of the high numbered Infantry of the Line Regiments 1794-1796 have still not been identified territorially, it is likely that this is one of them
​​​Description: ROYAL HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS around cenral crown. ​
Category: ​English Volunteer Infantry; ​
Type of button: Slightly convex 16mm; ​
Metal​: Copper alloy gilt. Backmark: I NUTTING KING ST COVENT GARDEN;
​Date: c1794-1796
Portsea & Portsmouth Vol Arty​
Ref No: 955- ​
​Image Source: DP
​Notes:
​​​Description: P&PVA monogram over period cannon.
Category: Volunteer Artillery; ​
Type of button: Flat16mm;​ ​
Metal: Copper Alloy gilt.; Backmark: TREBLE GILT;
​Date: ​c1797-1815