BUTTONS
BRITISH MILITARY
The largest database of early British Military Buttons
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Nottingham Town Troop Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Cavalry
Ref No: 012- Image Source: UK Detectornet
Notes: A button relating to the two Nottingham (City) troops (1794-1801). The overall CO. Lt.Col.Commandant Anthony H Eyre. The City troops included Cornet Alexander Hadden, who complete with charger famously leapt 6ft high railings to disperse civilian rioters
Description: The word NOTTS with NT above and YC below.
Category: Yeomanry Cavalry;
Type of button: Convex; Metal: Copper Alloy,silvered.;
Backmark: Unreadable;
Date: 1794-1801
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 unoficially 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 M-O
Notts Yeomanry Cavalry
Ref No: 013-
Image Source: UK Detectornet
Description: The Words NOTTS YEOMANRY CAVALRY around eight pointed star Category:Yeomanry Cavalry
Type of button: Flat coatee button
Metal: .; Backmark:
Date: 1794-1797
Notes: A unique find to the Notts Cavalry Yeomanry of the first pattern open coatee type.
Northampton Yeomanry
Ref No: 014
Image Source: UK Detectornet
Notes: Button to the Northampton Yeomanry and more specifically the Royal Kettering Troop. They were raised in 1830 and disbanded in 1873. This appears to be the gilded type that appeared on their uniform from c1860
Description:Crowned initials NY
Category:; Yeomanry Cavalry
Type of button: Convex
Metal: Copper Alloy.; Backmark: NA
Date: c1860
Monmouth & Brecon Militia
Ref No: 048-
Image Source: UK Detector FindsDatabase
Notes: This button dates to when the two counties were united in 1798 to c1808 when the unit was granted the 'Royal' title. There is another pattern usually in pewter, that shows script 'M & B' over a small capital 'M'
Description: 'Monmouth' 'Brecon' encircling cross on eight pointed star
Category: County Militia;
Type of button: Convex 19mm ;
Metal: Pewter .; Backmark: None ;
Date: c1798-1808
Ouse & Derwent Volunteers
Ref No: 056-
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
Notes: The Ouse & Derwent (East Yorks) commission dates are shown as 5 Sept 1803, 6 Companies, 360 strong under their CO. Lt Col Commandant Richard Thompson, Lt-Col. Charles Blois. By 1807 one of the Captains, Sir Thomas Clarges, Baronet has become the CO.
Description: Crown surmounting 'O*D' atop of 'V'
Category: English Volunteer Infantry;
Type of button: Slightly convex, 17mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy; Backmark: None ;
Date: 1803-1816
Northumberland Fencibles
Ref No: 031-
Image Source: UK Detectornet
Notes: A previously unrecorded type found by metal detectorist. The units first commission dates to 28 February 1795, under Colonel Francis Blake, and Lieut-Colonel Robert Dudley Blake, a corps of full battalion strength, that were stood down towards the end of 1801
Description: Crowned GR with Northumberland Fencibles around edge Category: Fencible Infantry;
Type of button: Flat ;
Metal: Copper Alloy.; Backmark: None ;
Date: 1795-1801
Northamptonshire (West) Local Militia
Ref No: 028-
Image Source: UK Detectornet
Notes: The 1st Western Regt was raised in Sept 1808 under Lt Col Jon Petre.
Description: Northamptonshire Local Militia around crown
Category:Local Militia;
Type of button: Convex, open backed ;
Metal: Copper Alloy silvered .; Backmark: none ;
Date: c1806-1816
North York Militia
Ref No: 047-
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
Notes: In 1763 various local battalions were amalgamated to form the North Riding Militia through various name changes they eventually form the 4th Battalion of the Yorkshire Regt.
Description: Crowned Yorkshire Rose with 'North' and 'York' either side Category: English Infantry Militia;
Type of button: Flat 24mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, Silver plated .; Backmark: None ;
Date: c1794-1814
(2nd/3rd/4th)Nottinghamshire Local Militia Regiments
Ref No: 049-
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
Notes: The button of the 1st Regiment differs by having the words Local Milita also featured
Description: 'Nottingham' around crown on eight pointed star
Category: Local Militia;
Type of button: Dished 19mm ;
Metal: Pewter; Backmark: I. NUTTING & SON KING STREET COVENT GARDEN ;
Date: 1803-1816
North Herts Yeomanry
Ref No: 062-
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
Notes: This is almost certainly a button to the North Hertfordshire Yeomanry, 1831 to 1871 when they were combined with the South Herts Yeomanry (also raised in 1831)
Description: NHY Under crown
Category: Yeomanry Cavalry;
Type of button: Convex 16mm x 7mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, tinned; Backmark: None;
Date: c1831-1871
Mounts Bay Volunteers
Ref No: 096-
Image Source: NN
Notes: Originally raised in 1796, under CO Major Commandant John Tremenheere. The 'Mounts Bay Rangers', were raised in 1797 and the 'Fuzileers', in 1798. Two battalions re-raised in 1803.
Description: V above MB in centre of eight pointed star under crown
Category: English Volunteer Infantry;
Type of button: Flat 16mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy .; Backmark: None ;
Date: 1796-1813
Montgomery Militia
Ref No: 099-
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
Notes: A very fine and scarce example in Sheffield plate of the Montgomery Militia1778-1790, again.
Description: Prince of Wales feathers with letters MGy and M separated by crown
Category: Welsh Infantry Militia ;
Type of button: Flat 23mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, silver plated . Backmark: None ;
Date: 1778-1790
North Hants Militia
Ref No: 291-
Image Source: PAS Database Ref No. SUR-39A447
Notes: A new first pattern found near Winchester to the North Hants Militia that mirrors the identical style to the first patternn South Hants Militia who were originally raised in 1759.
Description: NORTH above and HANTS below Rose
Category: English Infantry Militia ;
Type of button: Flat 21mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered.; Backmark: None ;
Date: c1780-1790
Maylor Volunteers
Ref No: 109-
Image Source: UK Detectornet
Notes: The Maylor Volunteers (Flintshire) are officially listed as 'Maylor (East)' and are shown as a 415 strong unit.
Description: Prince of Wales feathers, with ICH DIEN legend and MV below. Category: Welsh Volunteer Infantry ;
Type of button: Convex ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, silver plated. Backmark:;
Date: c1794-c1808
Norton Troop
Ref No: 113-
Image Source: UK Detectornet
Notes: The unit is listed for the first time August 1803 as the 'Norton Cavalry' with a strength of only 60. They are still listed as a troop in the 1812 Parliamentary Return (with 53 effectives) but are no longer showing bu 1817.
Description: The words NORTON TROOP around Prince of Wales feathers.
Category: English Volunteer Infantry;
Type of button: Convex; Metal: Copper Alloy,silvered.;
Backmark;
Date: c1803-c1812
(22nd Queens) Middlesex Rifle Volunteers
Ref No: 159-
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
Notes: The 22nd Queens were renumbered as the 13th in 1880.
Description: Royal Crest, crowned on portcullis.
Category: Rifle Volunteers ;
Type of button: Convex 23mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy. Backmark: Unreadable;
Date: 1859-1880
Nuneaton Yeomanry Cavalry
Ref No: 237-
Image Source:
Notes: Although it cannot be conclusively confirmed that this button relates to this corps, the button was found very close to Nuneaton in an area where the commander, Captain John Ludford lived.
Description: Stylised letters NY under crown
Category: Yeomanry Cavalry;
Type of button: Flat ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, silver plated; Backmark: None ;
Date: c1795-c1810
Newport Loyal Volunteers
Ref No: 257-
Image Source: Al Luckenbach
Notes: A senior NCO's example to the Newport Loyal Volunteers of the Isle of Wight.
Description: NLV under crown
Category: English Volunteer Infantry ;
Type of button: Concave 19mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilded .; Backmark: None ;
Date: 1803-c1808
(2nd) Northamptonshire Militia
Ref No: 299-
Image Source: PAS Database Ref No.
Notes: A Thames foreshore find that is currently attributed to the 2nd Northants Militia, the unit is a Supplementary Militia one that is very short lived hence the current non 100% conclusive ID. They were raised in 1798 and disembodied in 1799.
Description: 2N either side of crown within plain incising
Category: Supplementary Local Militia;
Type of button: Convex 18mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilded .; Backmark: None;
Date: 1798-1799
(3rd) Norfolk Militia
Ref No: 102-
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
Notes: The 3rd Norfolk Militia (1st Supplementary) was a short lived unit from1797-1798 only and was not re-raised in 1803
Description: A crown over 3 above NORFOLK
Category: English Infantry Militia ;
Type of button: Convex 14mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy .; Backmark: FIRMIN & WESTALL STRAND ;
Date: 1798-1799
North Yorks Yeomanry Cavalry
Ref No: 278-
Image Source: Al Luckenbach
Notes: The only known pattern to this unit which served as such from 1831-1838.
Description: Crowned Yorkshire Rose with N.Y.C below
Category: Yeomanry Cavalry;
Type of button: Convex 21mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilded .; Backmark: DAWES & SHERLCOCK COVENT GARDEN;
Date: 1831-1838
Oxford Loyal Volunteers
Ref No: 345-
Image Source: R. Paul
Notes: The OLV opted to become Local Milita in 1808 thus this style of button pre dates this year.
Description: Crown surmounting OLV
Category: English Volunteer Infantry;
Type of button: Slightly convex, 17mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered; Backmark: None ;
Date: 1803-1808
Oxfordshire Yeomanry
Ref No: 346-
Image Source: R. Paul
Notes: A new type to the Oxfordshire Yeomanry that is believed to date to the early period of circa 1794 to 1801.
Description: Crown surmounting OY
Category: Yeoman Cavalry;
Type of button: Slightly convex ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilded; Backmark: None ;
Date: 1794-1801
Oxfordshire Yeomanry
Ref No: 347-
Image Source: R. Paul
Notes: The Watlington Division were absorbed into the 1st Oxfordshire Yeomanry Cavalry in 1815.
Description: Crown above OY with WATLINGTON DIVISION around
Category: Yeomanry Cavalry;
Type of button: Convex ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered; Backmark: None ;
Date: c1803-15
Oxfordshire Militia
Ref No: 362-
Image Source: DP
Notes: A fine Essex found early example to the Oxfordshire Militia.
Description: M with OXFORDSHIRE around on eight pointed star crowned
Category: English Militia;
Type of button: Slightly convex, 20mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilded; Backmark: FIRMIN STRAND ;
Date: c1783-1794
Notes: .
Description: OSV under stylised drawing of Old Sarum Castle
Category: English Volunteer Infantry;
Type of button: Slightly xonvex ;
Metal: Copper Alloy; Backmark: None ;
Date: c1795-c1810
Newcastle Volunteers
Ref No: 384-
Image Source: Barry G
Notes: A nice example to the Newcastle Upon Tyne Volunteers.
Description: NV either side of tower with lion rampant atop
Category: English Volunteer Infantry ;
Type of button: Concave ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilded .; Backmark: ;
Date: 1803-1808
(1st) Norfolk Militia
Ref No: 395-
Image Source: Graham, Kent
Notes: The 1st or Western Norfolk Militia was raised in 1758 and this style predates 1833 when the unit was granted the Royal title.
Description: Eight pointed star with 1 NM in centre
Category: English Infantry Militia ;
Type of button: Convex ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilded .; Backmark: NUTTING & SON ;
Date: C1800-1833
(1st) Oxfordshire Local Militia
Ref No: 397-
Image Source: Sean M Canada
Notes: A Canadian find to a Local Militia that unit that was rasied in April 1809 and disbanded in 1816.
Description: Monogram OLM under 1 under crown
Category: English Local Militia;
Type of button: Convex ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilded; Backmark: I NUTTING & SON LONDON ;
Date: 1809-1816
(2nd) North York Militia
Ref No: 423-
Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database
Notes: A scarce find to the 2nd NY who were raised in 1797 as supplementary militia, became the 2nd NYM in 1798 and were disbanded the following year.
Description: 2NY within six pointed star
Category: English Infantry Militia;
Type of button: Flat 18mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, Silver plated .; Backmark: None ;
Date: 1798-1799
North Devon Local Militia
Ref No: 432-
Image Source: Wes Ashton of Hidden Heritage
Notes: Raised originally with men from the Barnstable area the NDLM served under Lt-Col Henry Beavis.
Description: Crown atop letter ND with LM below within lined rim
Category: English Local Militia ;
Type of button: Flat 21mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered .; Backmark: None ;
Date: 1808-1816
Oxfordshire Militia
Ref No: 779-
Image Source: DP
Notes: The later design to the Oxfordshire Militia.
Description: Central crown with OXFORDSHIRE around within scalloped edge.
Category: English Militia;
Type of button: Convex, 18mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilded; Backmark: CHARLES JENNENS LONDON;
Date: c1820-1835
Oxford University Vols
Ref No: 780-
Image Source: DP
Notes: It is likely the same design or similiar was used for both raisings of the unit.
Description: OUV on plain button.
Category: Volunteer Infantry;
Type of button: Flat, 18mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilded; Backmark: None;
Date: 1798-1801 & 1803-1814
Oxfordshire Yeomanry
Ref No: 783-
Image Source: DP
Notes: An unusual incised version with plain font.
Description: Crown surmounting OY
Category: Yeoman Cavalry;
Type of button: Flat 22mm;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilded; Backmark: S & six stars (Smith of Birmingham) ;
Date: 1794-1801
Northamptonshire Militia
Ref No: 789-
Image Source: DP.
Notes: An other ranks example to the earliest of five patterns currently known to this unit.
Description: NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MILITIA around lion
Category: Infantry Militia;
Type of button: Flat 24mm ;
Metal: Pewter.; Backmark: None;
Date: c1780-1794
Northamptonshire Militia
Ref No: 790-
Image Source: DP.
Notes: The third known pattern to the unit who drew the 48 precadent in the 1833 ballot.
Description: NORTHAMPTONSHIRE around 48 on cross with eight pointed star
Category: Infantry Militia;
Type of button: Convex 22mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, plated.; Backmark: FIRMIN & SON 153 STRAND;
Date: c1833-1855
Northamptonshire (East) Local Militia
Ref No: 791-
Image Source: DP
Notes: Believed o be to the Eastern Regt that was first raised in Sept 1808
Description: NORTHAMPTONSHIRE LOCAL MILITIA around royal cypher
Category:Local Militia;
Type of button: Convex, 15mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy silvered .; Backmark: none ;
Date: c1806-1816
Notts Yeomanry Cavalry
Ref No: 808-
Image Source: DP
Description: NOTTS YC within inward facing leaf design
Category: Yeomanry Cavalry
Type of button: Convex 16mm
Metal: Copper Alloy, plated .; Backmark: None
Date: c1794-1820
Notes: A better known example to the county unit of Notts .
North Lincs Legion
Ref No: 811-
Image Source: DP
Notes: The North Lincs Legion comprised of three battalions of infantry.
Description: NLL Under crown
Category: Legion Infantry Section;
Type of button: Convex 19mm;
Metal: Copper Alloy, tinned; Backmark: FIRMIN & WESTALL STRAND;
Date: c1803-1808
North Wolds Lincs Yeo
Ref No: 812-
Image Source: DP
Notes: The North Wolds of Lincs Yeomanry comprised of two troops.
Description: Stylised NWLY Under crown
Category: Yeomanry Cavalry;
Type of button: Flat 21mm;
Metal: Copper Alloy, plated; Backmark: None;
Date: 1805-1816
8th North British Militia
Ref No: 815-
Image Source: DP
Notes: The 8th NBM was from Forfarshire, this is the first of two patterns known to the unit.
Description: NBM over 8 within crowned wreath
Category: Scottish Militia ;
Type of button: Slightly convex 17mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt. Backmark: WALTER WILLIAMS;
Date: 1793-1803
9th North British Militia
Ref No: 816-
Image Source: DP
Notes: The 9th NBM was from Perthshire and later became the Royal Perthshire this is the first of three patterns known to the unit.
Description: Central crown with WB either side and M 9 above and below
Category: Scottish Militia ;
Type of button: Slightly convex 13mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt. Backmark: None;
Date: 1793-1803
Northern Regt of Fencible Men
Ref No: 833-
Image Source: DP
Notes: One of the few Fencible units raised in the early period of fear of French invasion.
Description: NORTH FENCE around central thistle
Category:Scottish Fencibles;
Type of button: Flat 17.5mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy silvered .; Backmark: S.F ;
Date: 1779-1783
Northern Fencibles
Ref No: 834-
Image Source: DP
Notes: The issue to the 1793 raising.
Description: NORTH FENCIBLES around crowned central thistle
Category:Scottish Fencibles;
Type of button: Flat 23mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy silvered .; Backmark: S.FIRMIN STRAND ;
Date: 1793-1800
(1st) Manchester Regt LM
Ref No: 856-
Image Source: DP
Notes: The 1st Manchester Regt was raised on 24 Sept 1808 under Lt. Col John Silvester.
Description: Central Rose with 1 MANCHESTER LM around in eight pointed star.
Category: English Local Militia ;
Type of button: Convex, 20mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt. Backmark: T SHAW HEMMINGS ROW LONDON;
Date: 1808-1816
(1st) Middleton Regt LM
Ref No: 857-
Image Source: DP
Notes: .
Description: Central Rose with garter legend over MLM.
Category: English Local Militia ;
Type of button: Convex, 25mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt. Backmark: ORANGE GILT crowned;
Date: 1808-1816
Newton & Failsworth LM
Ref No: 858-
Image Source: DP
Notes: .
Description: Central crowned rose with N F aside over LM
Category: English Local Militia ;
Type of button: Flat 20mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt. Backmark: None ;
Date: 1808-1816
Manchester & Salford YC
Ref No: 863-
Image Source: DP
Notes: .
Description: Crowned M&SYC.
Category: English Yeomanry Cavalry ;
Type of button: Full ball, 11mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt. Backmark: TREBLE GILT;
Date: 1798-1830
Norwich Volunteers
Ref No: 882-
Image Source: DP
Notes: The unit was twiced raised using the same name so its not clear whether this design is to the first, second or even both periods.
Description: NORWICH curved below crown.
Category: English Volunteer Infantry;
Type of button: Flat 19mm;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt. Backmark; None
Date: 1794-1801 or 1803-08
Norwich Light Horse Volunteers
Ref No: 885-
Image Source: DP
Notes: The unit was twiced raised using the same name so its not clear whether this design is to the first, second or even both periods.
Description: NLHV on four points around castle keep on lion passant.
Category: English Mounted Volunteers;
Type of button: Slighly convex 22mm;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt. Backmark; None
Date: 1797-1801 or 1803-15
2nd (Midland) Norfolk YC
Ref No: 887-
Image Source: DP
Notes: A poor condition but unusual example to the 2nd Midland Norfolk Yeomanry which comprised of even troops. The back mark indicates this example probably dates to the later period if the indicated date range.
Description: 2 over NY over C
Category: Yeomanry Cavalry ;
Type of button: Convex 15mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered. Backmark: BODLEY & CO LONDON;
Date: c1803-1827
Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry
Ref No: 888-
Image Source: DP
Notes: The Prince Alberts Own title was conferred to the unit in 1840 following escort services before the unit was disbanded eight years later.
Description: Central NYC with crowned strap reading PRINCE ALBERTS OWN
Category: Yeomanry Cavalry ;
Type of button: Convex 24mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered. Backmark: ROGERS & CO KING ST;
Date: 1840-1848
2nd North Devon Militia
Ref No: 894-
Image Source: DP
Notes: The North Devon Militia converted to artillery in 1853.
Description: NORTH DEVON on crowned strap around Union flag
Category: English Infantry Militia ;
Type of button: Flat 16mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt. Backmark: FIRMIN & WESTALL STRAND;
Date: c1794-1820
North Devon Volunteers
Ref No: 896-
Image Source: DP
Notes: The North Devon Volunteers had two raisings and its not clear if they worse the same design on both occasions or if not which raising this style belongs to.
Description: Crowned monogram letter NDV
Category: English Volunteer Infantry;
Type of button: Slightly convex 20mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt. Backmark: TREBLE GILT;
Date: c1794-1801 or 1803-1808
North Salopian Yeomanry
Ref No: 903-
Image Source: Todd Stillings
Notes: Known earlier as the the North Shropshire Yeomanry Cavalry the unit survived the culls of 1827 and was retained on pay. In 1872 they were amalgamated with the South Salopian YC to form the Shropshire Yeomanry Cavalry
Description: Crowned monogram of letters NSY
Category: Yeomanry Cavalry;
Type of button: Convex;
Metal: Copper Alloy, plated; Backmark: T BARTLEET;
Date: 1828-1872
North Hants Militia
Ref No: 937-
Image Source: DP
Notes: Being in gilt a senior NCOs pattern in the design of the second known to the unit.
Description: Crowned rose above letters NH
Category: English Infantry Militia ;
Type of button: Flat 16mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt.; Backmark: None ;
Date: c1790-1803
North Hants Militia
Ref No: 938-
Image Source: DP
Notes: The third known design to the North Hants Militia who were amalgametd with the South Hants Militia in 1853.
Description: Crowned garet with NORTH HANTS around central rose
Category: English Infantry Militia ;
Type of button: Convex 18mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, gilt.; Backmark: C JENNENS LONDON (+PoW crest) ;
Date: c1808-1820
North Hants Yeomanry
Ref No: 942-
Image Source: DP
Notes: One of a number of designs to this unit which which became the Hants Yeomanry Cavalry in 1848.
Description: Rose Under crown
Category: Yeomanry Cavalry;
Type of button: Convex 16mm;
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered; Backmark: I NUTTING COVENT GARDEN;
Date: c1803-1840
North Hants Volunteers
Ref No: 951-
Image Source: DP
Notes: .
Description: NORTH HANTS VOLUNTEERS around cenral crown
Category: English Volunteer Infantry;
Type of button: Slightly convex 20mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered.; Backmark: None;
Date: 1803-1808
New Forest Rangers
Ref No: 952-
Image Source: DP
Notes: A nice example to the Newcastle Upon Tyne Volunteers.
Description: NFR above hunting bugle
Category: English Volunteer Infantry ;
Type of button: Half ball 16mm ;
Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered. Backmark:None ;
Date: 1803-1808
