Unknowns | militarybuttons

BV

Ref No: 016-

Image Source: UK Detectornet

Notes: Found in South Devon, it is thus likely to be. 'Buckland, Brewer, Parkham and Milton Damerell' Vol. Infantry, the'Buckland Monarchorum' Volunteer Infantry in the 1803 Listings or the Broadhernbury Volunteers, forming part of the 'Devon Legion (East)'.There are also in the 'Devon Battalion' similar small units, 'Biddeford' 'Buckland Brewer' and 'Budleigh (East)'.

Description:Letters BV below crown

Category: Volunteer unit;

Type of button: Flat; Metal: Copper Alloy.

Backmark:;

Date: c1790-1820

SLV

Ref No: 021-

Image Source: UK Detectornet

Notes: Almost certainly one of the South Sussex (Lewes) Rape units. There are though six different units in this heading named after villages and boroughs in the area. It may be that they all wore SLV and called themselves, although not formally, the Sussex Loyal Volunteers or South Lewes Volunteers

Description: Monogrammed letters SLV under crown.

Category:Local Volunteers;

Type of button: Convex ;

Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered .; Backmark: I. Nutting King St Covent Garden ;

Date:

S V

Ref No: 022-

Image Source: UK Detectornet

Notes: 'S.V' beneath a Hart Lodged (county badge of Herts) is either Standon Volunteer Infantry a 1 Company unit dating to 1803-08/14 or Stortford Volunteer Infantry a 3 Company corps of the same period (Bishop Stortford to us now)

Description: SV below stag

Category:Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Flat ;

Metal:Copper Alloy originally gilded .; Backmark: ;

Date: c1820

WV (Watford/Ware Volunteers)

Ref No: 072-

Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database

Notes: The button has two possibilities. The most likely is the Ware unit, raised Sept 1803. By1807 they are shown to be part of 'Hoddesdon, Stanstead (as spelt) and Ware'. The other possibility is the 'Watford Volunteer Infantry', raised in Sept 1803 and still shown as such in the 1807 List.

Description: Herts Stag with WV either side

Category: English Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Flat 22mm ;

Metal: Copper Alloy, gilded; Backmark: None ;

Date: 1803-c1807

CV

Ref No: 052-

Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database

Notes: Found in Thetford it is likely to be from one of the Norfolk units. The Army Lists pre and post 1801 only show two possible 'C' units. Catton a 1 Company unit with an 1803 raising and Cromer pre 1801 and again in1803, although then shown as 'Cromer Battery'.

Description: Monogram letters CV encircled by wreath under crown

Category: Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Convex 17mm ;

Metal: Copper Alloy gilded; Backmark: I NUTTING & SON KING ST COVENT GARDEN

Date: c1800-1840

BVI

Ref No: 051-

Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database

Notes: This button relates to either one of the Cambridge or Suffolk units and there are quite a variety of initials, all with the same strap and crown. Now recorded are 'SVI' and 'CVI', and this 'BVI', there is also a 'GVI' known. They must be either individual Company buttons within one of the large Suffolk Battalions, or, and quite possibly individual College buttons to the Cambridge Univ units.

Description: 'For Our Country' around monogram BVI under crown

Category: English Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Convex 20mm ;

Metal: Copper Alloy; Backmark: TEL ;

Date: c1800

S V

Ref No: 118-

Image Source: UK Detectornet

Notes: Found in the Cheshire North Wales area as yet unidentified button

Description: SV below crown

Category:Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Convex ;

Metal:Copper Alloy .; Backmark: ;

Date: c1820

LLV

Ref No: 119-

Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database

Notes: Found in the NW/Wales.

Description: Monogram letters LLV under crown

Category: Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Convex ;

Metal: Copper Alloy gilded; Backmark:

Date: c1800-1840

EYC

Ref No: 136-

Image Source: Colchester Treasure Hunting Club

Notes: As an Essex find he most probable candidate for this button is a first pattern for the Essex Yeomanry, although they are referred to as the East and West Essex in contemporary records. As there are other possibilities it is hoped other finds may confirm

Description: Monogram letters EYC under crown

Category: Yeomanry Cavalry;

Type of button: Convex ;

Metal: Copper Alloy gilded; Backmark:

Date: c1794-c1801

LBV

Ref No: 138-

Image Source: Colchester Treasure Hunting Club

Notes: LBV, could be almost any one of about 60 units. As an Essex find there are Baddow, Barfield, Barking (a large unit) and Burstead all c1803-1808 as none of them exist prior to 1801.

Description: Monogram letters LBV

Category: English Infantry Militia;

Type of button: Domed ;

Metal: Copper Alloy silvered; Backmark:

Date: c1803-1808

BM

Ref No: 139-

Image Source: Colchester Treasure Hunting Club

Description:Letters BM below crown

Category: English Infantry Militia;

Type of button: Flat;

Metal: Copper Alloy, silver plated. Backmark:;

Date: c1790-1820

Notes: An unusual button that appears to be either another pattern for the Bedfordshire Militia, or the Barbadoes (as spelt then) Militia.

GM

Ref No: 140-

Image Source: Colchester Treasure Hunting Club

Notes: The most likely candidate for this button with a reasonable degree of certainly is the Grenada Militia (W Indies)

Description: Monogram letters GM under crown

Category: Infantry Militia;

Type of button: Convex, silver plated ;

Metal: Copper Alloy silvered; Backmark:

Date: c1779-c1800

EV

Ref No: 152-

Image Source: Paul Dunmall

Notes: A detecting find from near Evesham so possibly the Evesham Volunteers. The unit was in 1804 the 'Evesham & Pershore', however a year earlier they are shown as just 'Evesham'. By1807 the unit has been dispersed all together, further evidence required to allow for a confirmed ID.

Description: Monogram letters EV under crown

Category: English Infantry Militia;

Type of button: Convex ;

Metal: Copper Alloy gilded; Backmark:

Date: c1804

Prince of Wales Feathers

Ref No: 157-

Image Source: Paul Dunmall

Notes: The button appears earlier than 1803; therefore a possibility is, 'The Princess of Wales's Regiment' of Fencible Cavalry 1794-1800 but this has not been possible to confirm yet.

Description: Prince of Wales feathers with thistle spray in centre.

Category: Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Flat ;

Metal: Pewter; Backmark None:

Date: c1794-1800

1LY

Ref No: 166-

Image Source: DP

Notes: A local 'L' unit unlikely to be Leicestershire, whilst Lincolnshire and Lancashire remain possibles.

Description: 1LY incised on six pointed star.

Category: Yeomanry Cavalry;

Type of button: Convex ;

Metal: Copper Alloy gilded; Backmark: None

Date: c1794-1820

FSV

Ref No: 186-

Image Source: UK Detectornet

Notes: This button, a Somerset find, is likely to be 'FSV' and the only Somerset unit that fits the bill is 'Frome Selwood' Vol Inf which were raised in August 1803 as a 3 Company unit under the joint Captaincy of, William Sheppard, Henry Sheppard & John Olive.s)

Description: Monogram letters FSV under crown

Category: English Infantry Militia;

Type of button: Flat ;

Metal: Copper Alloy; Backmark:

Date: 1803-c1816

FM

Ref No: 200-

Image Source: Private

Notes: This button, despite being a Cambs find, is likely to be a Scottish unit with candidates Flintshire (the least likely) Forfarshire and Fifeshire Militias as the only mainland candidates; Fermanagh is also a possibility.

Description: Monogram letters FM under crown

Category: Infantry Militia;

Type of button: Flat ;

Metal: Petwer; Backmark:

Date: c1770-1800

S

Ref No: 204-

Image Source: Chris Buckland

Notes: A Devon find that is likely to be a local company button serving with one of the larger Devon units, sadly the likely place name is worn away and unreadable but hopefully later finds may assist in getting a positive ID.

Description: S below crown with unreadable place name above

Category:Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Flat 20mm;

Metal:Pewter .; Backmark: None;

Date: c1800-1820

S V

Ref No: 205-

Image Source: Private

Notes: Found in Cambridgeshire an as yet unidentified button but likely to be from one of either, Soham Sutton, Stapleford or Swaffham

Description: Stylised SV below crown

Category:Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Slightly Convex ;

Metal:Copper Alloy .; Backmark: None;

Date: c1800-1820

S V

Ref No: 206-

Image Source: Private

Notes: Found in Cambridgeshire an as yet unidentified button but likely to be from one of either, Soham Sutton, Stapleford or Swaffham.

Description: SV in centre of eight pointed star

Category:Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Flat ;

Metal:Copper Alloy, gilded; Backmark: ;

Date: c1805-1820

LCV

Ref No: 211-

Image Source: Private

Notes: A Cambridgeshire find that could be to Loyal Cambridge Volunteers .

Description: Monogram letters LCV under crown

Category: English Infantry Militia;

Type of button: Flat ;

Metal: Copper Alloy; Backmark:

Date: c1803-c1807

WLV

Ref No: 319-

Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database

Notes: Found in Wiltshire an as yet unidentified button but likely to be from one of either Wilton, Warminster or the West Wiltshire Vols.

Description: WLV monogram under crown.

Category:Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Slightly convex ;

Metal:Copper Alloy; Backmark: ;

Date: c1800-c1820

SLV

Ref No: 214-

Image Source: Ken Bell

Notes: As a Somerset find it is unlikely to relate to the unit above and thus at this point in time remains unattributed.

Description: Monogrammed letters SLV under crown.

Category:Local Volunteers;

Type of button: Flat ;

Metal: Copper Alloy.; Backmark: ;

Date:

RV

Ref No: 218-

Image Source: D.O.

Notes: There are many possibilities for RV, this example was believed to have been found in Cheshire and defies positive ID at this time .

Description: RV Monogram under crown

Category: Local Volunteer;

Type of button: ;

Metal: Copper Alloy. Backmark: None;

Date: c1794-1820

WV

Ref No: 221-

Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database

Notes: A Berkshire find that geographically suggests two posibilities. 'Wantage' (then in Berks) is the most likely, another possible unit is the two company Winkfield Volunteers, both units date 1803-1808. It is hoped further local finds may lead to a positive future ID.

Description: WV under crown within rope style rim

Category: English Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Slightly convex 20mm ;

Metal: Copper Alloy; Backmark: None ;

Date: 1803-c1807

DM

Ref No: 240-

Image Source: Malcolm Duff

Notes: A River Thames find that is believed to be one of three possibles. A possible other ranks issue to the Durham Militia that does not use the coronet, or a 1st Derbyshire Militia of 1803-05 or lastly the Demerara Militia (later British Guiana), where there were three 'regiments'.

Description: DM surrounded by wreath with possible letters ST at top and 1 or J below

Category: English Infantry Militia;

Type of button: Convex ;

Metal: Copper Alloy silver plated; Backmark:

Date: c1800-c1810

SLC

Ref No: 259-

Image Source: Al Luckenbach.

Notes: An unconfirmed button whose unit or even purpose at this point is unclear .

Description: SLC within inner ring

Category: Unknown;

Type of button: Flat 15mm ;

Metal: Pewter. Backmark: None;

Date: c1770-c1820

V

Ref No: 260-

Image Source: Private

Notes: It is unclear if these are a generic issue for Volunteers or to previously serving Volunteers in Spain who were known as Voluntarios.

Description:V in circle within eight pointed star.

Category:Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Slightly convex ;

Metal:Copper Alloy; Backmark: ;

Date: c1804-c1820

J L(?) 16

Ref No: 261-

Image Source: Private

Notes: It is highly likely this button is not actually military but whilst unknown it has been adeed to see if it can formally identified in the future and recorded appropriately.

Description: Appears to be JL over 16

Category: Unknown;

Type of button: Flat ;

Metal: Copper Alloy; Backmark: None

Date: c1770-1820

NY

Ref No: 069-

Image Source: UK Detector Finds Database

Notes: There are two probabilities for this unknown. The 'Northumberland Yeomanry', 1798-1801 and not re-raised as such, two Troops were envisaged, the joint Captaincy is listed Matthew Bell and Ralph Henry Brandling. The other is a Cavalry Association, simply, 'Newcastle' c1798-1801, three officers listed Capt Thomas Burdon Lieut Edward Kentish and Cornet Robertson.

Description: NY within two concentric circles

Category: Yeomanry Cavalry;

Type of button: Flat 21mm;

Metal: Copper Alloy, silver plated. Backmark: None;

Date: c1798-1801

NVI (NM?)

Ref No: 268-

Image Source: Al Luckenbach

Notes: An interesting find but sadly with no find spot recorded it is at this point impossible to attribute, it is hoped additional finds being recorded may unravel the mystery.

Description: NVI within decoration under crown

Category: Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Flat 15mm;

Metal: Copper Alloy, silver plated. Backmark: Unreadable;

Date: c1798-c1816

BV

Ref No: 285-

Image Source: PAS Database Ref No. SUR-9D3387

Notes: Differing from the other BV version by way of having Roman lettering the front runners for this are either the Banbury or Bicester Volunteer Infantry units. As it was found in Newbootle, which puts its closer to Banbury that is the strongest candidate and we hope other finds may allow a conclusive ID to be made.

Description:Letters BV below crown

Category: Volunteer unit;

Type of button: Flat 15mm;

Metal: Copper Alloy, sulver plated .Backmark:None;

Date: c1794-c1816

PV

Ref No: 295-

Image Source: Derek O.

Notes: There are a number of possibilities for PV, this example defies positive ID at this time .

Description: PV under crown

Category: Local Volunteer;

Type of button: Flat;

Metal: Copper Alloy. Backmark: None;

Date: c1794-1820

SI

Ref No: 311-

Image Source: Maximuswarks.

Notes: A Warwickshire find which cannot be positively identified although the Stanley (Stoneleigh) Infantry are favourites. Stratford Infantry is the other although far less likely possibility. Other recordings of this in the area may lead to a conclusive ID

Description: SI under crown

Category: English Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Flat mm ;

Metal: Copper Alloy Gilded. Backmark: ;

Date: c1794-c1820

S V

Ref No: 312-

Image Source: Alloverover

Notes: A second Cambridgeshire find to this design of an as yet unidentified button but geography of finds are pointing tentatively to Stapleford. It is hoped that subsequent finds may provide a definitive ID.

Description: Stylised SV below crown

Category:Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Flat ;

Metal:Copper Alloy .; Backmark: None;

Date: c1800-1820

WLV

Ref No: 212-

Image Source: Private

Notes: Found in Cambridgeshire an as yet unidentified button but likely to be from one of either Whittlesey or Wisbech.

Description: WLV monogram under crown.

Category:Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Flat ;

Metal:Copper Alloy, gilded; Backmark: ;

Date: c1804-c1820

LV

Ref No: 324-

Image Source: Via NN

Notes: Found near Harrogate Yorks, the nearest Volunteer 'L' is Leeds but their button has a fleece above the letters so currently no positive ID has been attributed.

Description: Monogram letters LV under crown

Category: Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Convex ;

Metal: Copper Alloy silveed; Backmark:

Date: c1800-1840

TLV

Ref No: 328-

Image Source: DT

Notes: Taunton surprisingly did not re raise a unit in 1803 as it had done previously (see ref 284) but it would appear likely that the Taunton Vols served as part of the larger Somerset unit and this find would suggest they wore their own buttons.

Description:TLV under crown within incised outer ring.

Category:Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Slightly convex 19mm ;

Metal:Copper Alloy, gilded; Backmark: FIRMIN & WESTALL STRAND;

Date: c1794-c1812

Notes: A find from Germany to a Scottish unit that is probably a new example tp either the Stirlingshire or Sutherland Local Militia.

Description: Crowned SLM within thistle wreath

Category: Local Militia;

Type of button: Slightly convex 20mm ;

Metal: Copper Alloy. Backmark: T SHAW HEMMINGS ROW LONDON;

Date: 1808-1816

SLM

Ref No: 340-

Image Source: Will Helms.

Notes: There are a number of possibilities for this Cornish find being Penryn Vol Inf, Penwith or Porteath Artillery although at this time it defies positive ID.

Description: PV within incides rim

Category: Local Volunteer;

Type of button: Flat;

Metal: Pewter. Backmark: None;

Date: c1794-1810

PV

Ref No: 348-

Image Source: Philip Saunders.

RLV

Ref No: 363-

Image Source: PAS Databse.

Notes: A find from Owslebury Hampshire that is unknown at this point but could be from a London or Lancashire unit.

Description: RLV undrer rose within royal motto surmounted by crown

Category: Local Volunteer;

Type of button: Flat ;

Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered. Backmark: None;

Date: c1794-1820

Ross Guards

Ref No: 365-

Image Source: Private.

Notes: A Canadian find to presumably a Ross-shire Scottish unit although no unit using that name has yet been identified hence its inclusion here in the unknown section.

Description: ROSS at top, GUARDS at bottom GR crowned in middle

Category: ;

Type of button: Flat 20mm;

Metal: Copper Alloy, silvered. Backmark: None;

Date: c1794-1820

KV

Ref No: 388-

Image Source: Matt Honeysett

Notes: A Kent find that could well pertain to the (East) Kent Volunteer Infantry but as the (South) Kent unit used SKV it was presumed that EKV probably featured on the East Kent units, however finds are starting to point towards this being the style worn by the Kent (East) Volunteer Infantry.

Description: KV under crown

Category: Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Flat ;

Metal: Petwer; Backmark: None

Date: c1794-1820

S

Ref No: 380-

Image Source: Kevin P.

Notes: A Somerset find that could refer to Somerset Vols as they only had one regt of militia between 1763-97 to muddy the waters further another was found in Sussex so we can but hope later finds may assist in getting a positive ID.

Description: S below crown within lined rim

Category:Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Flat ;

Metal:Pewter .; Backmark: None;

Date: c1790-1820

S V I

Ref No: 422-

Image Source: MY

Notes: See also BVI above and GVI is also known, The SVI if proven to be Cambs or Suffolk as believed, is likely to be Swaffham, Soham, Stretham, Stapleford, or Sutton.

Description: FOR OUR COUNTRY around SVI monogra under crown

Category:Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Convex 20mm ;

Metal:Copper Alloy, silvered; Backmark: ;

Date: c1800

N M

Ref No: 423-

Image Source: MY

Notes: An interesting find with possible link to ref 268 below. Notts or Northants appear to be the favourite candidates.

Description: NM within decoration under crown

Category: Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Flat 15mm;

Metal: Pewter. Backmark: Unreadable;

Date: c1780

GB

Ref No: 261-

Image Source: Al Luckenbach

Notes: As yet not formally identified although it is believed to be from the 5th Garrison Battalion.

Description: 5 with G B either side under crown on garter

Category: Garrison Battalion?;

Type of button: Convex, 20mm ;

Metal: Copper Alloy silver plated; Backmark: None

Date: c1800-c1816

HVI

Ref No: 428-

Image Source: Kevin P.

Notes: Sadly with no findspot recorded and there being a number of HVI options it can only be hoped further finds will help attribute this style.

Description: Monogram letters HVI under crown

Category:Volunteer Infantry;

Type of button: Convex ;

Metal: Copper Alloy gilded; Backmark:

Date: c1790-c1810

ELV

Ref No: 433-

Image Source: Chris

Notes: Found near Evesham in the style of Worcestershire units likely to be to Elmley Lovett Volunteers, or though Evesham Loyal Vols is the other possibility.

Description: ELV under crown

Category: English Infantry Militia;

Type of button: Slightly convex ;

Metal: Copper Alloy silver plated; Backmark:

Date: c1800-c1810

WLV​

﻿Ref No: 319- ​

PV​

﻿Ref No: 295- ​

SI​

﻿Ref No: 311- ​

S V​

﻿Ref No: 312- ​

LV​

﻿Ref No: 324- ​

TLV​

﻿Ref No: 328- ​

SLM​

﻿Ref No: 340- ​

PV​

﻿Ref No: 348- ​

RLV​

﻿Ref No: 363- ​

Ross Guards​

﻿Ref No: 365- ​

KV​

﻿Ref No: 388- ​

S ​

﻿Ref No: 380- ​

S V I​

﻿Ref No: 422- ​

N M​

﻿Ref No: 423- ​

HVI​

﻿Ref No: 428- ​

ELV​

﻿Ref No: 433- ​

WLV

Ref No: 319-

PV

Ref No: 295-

SI

Ref No: 311-

S V

Ref No: 312-

LV

Ref No: 324-

TLV

Ref No: 328-

SLM

Ref No: 340-

PV

Ref No: 348-

RLV

Ref No: 363-

Ross Guards

Ref No: 365-

KV

Ref No: 388-

S

Ref No: 380-

S V I

Ref No: 422-

N M

Ref No: 423-

HVI

Ref No: 428-

ELV

Ref No: 433-