RN Off small button c1812
 

Just dug this tiny (14mm) Georgian RN Officers button. Retains most of its bright gilt notwithstanding the long years it must have lain in the ground. Have identified the maker as 'HAMMOND TURNER DICKINSON'. (1 eurocent coin for size comparison).

GTB

Hello GTB

It's amazing that so much gilt has survived after all these years in the ground and just as amazing that you managed to find such a small button! Metal detectors must be far more efficient than when my two sons tried one out years ago with nothing to show for all their efforts!

A nice backmark on the button as well which helps to date it to just the period you mentioned. I'm sure the 'Dickinson' part of the firm's name was dropped in 1822 or thereabouts on the death of John Dickinson one of the founder members of the firm.

Roger

Yes, it is a very small button indeed. I never cease to wonder at the old technology that allows for such minute lettering of a microcosmic backmark. I mean, we're talking of around the time of the Battle of Waterloo to put a perspective on the backmark.

GTB