Natal Volunteer Composite Regt.

[Traist]

Thanks Frank.

[Frank Kelley]

Hello Steven,
That is a silver slouch hat badge.
Regards Frank

Originally Posted by Milmed

Hi Andrew,
Here is one I got today at an antiques market. It appears to be silver and brooch fitted with manufacturers markings 'JS'

Steven

[Frank Kelley]

Hello Andrew,
You may actually be rather surprised to see the lengths to which some Natalian's went to regarding their own tunic's, before presenting themselves!
Regards Frank

Originally Posted by Traist

Hi Frank, I agree 100%. I think chances are that they were only slouch hat badges. Regards Andrew

[Traist]

Wow, very nice. Do you have any spare buttons? Regards Andrew

[Frank Kelley]

Hello Andrew,
Many members of the Natal Volunteers wore such pieces on their tunics, almost all, made for and retailed by messr's Hobson in London.
I'm not sure what I have really, I remember having about a dozen or so badges, I do know that I have got a full set of Ernest Whitehead's buttons somewhere.
He was a member of the NVS, attached to the regiment for the latter part of the Anglo Boer War and a friend of General Dartnell.
Kind regards Frank

[Traist]

Hi Frank,

If you have a spare button, I would be interested. About 2 years ago I decided to add the buttons to my badge collection, so would be chuffed to get it. Regards Andrew

[Brian Conyngham]

Andrew

It is amazing how buttons have for so long been an overlooked subject out here in SA....

I have always admired these little works of art but never collected them as such except railway buttons which I send to my Dad for his collection of Railwayana.

Brian

[Traist]

Hi Brian, none of the old time collectors seem to have collected buttons. I am trying to add it to the badges now where I can(not spending too much in the process, if possible). Have fun. Andrew

[Frank Kelley]

Gentlemen,
The Natal Volunteers all worn fine buttons, but, because the composite regiment only existed for a short period, their buttons can be compared with those to SAMIF units such as the Prince of Wales Light Horse or South African Welsh as it was known and they are very rare indeed.
Buttons are now collected rather than dismissed by collectors and can be really very expensive indeed these days, I've always liked them.

[Traist]

So all said and done Frank, did you find a spare? Regards Andrew

[Anthony03]

My two which I guard with my life !!

[Frank Kelley]

You guard them with your life?
I would hope and believe that your life is worth rather more than a button!

Originally Posted by Anthony03

My two which I guard with my life !!

[Roy]

Hi Andrew,

I realize I'm reviving a rather old thread but wanted to thank you for posting your excellent badges to the Natal Composite Volunteers. I was researching a recent find for my own small collection (photo attached) when I found my way to your old post. Very helpful to read this thread and see other interesting pieces.

On the off chance that this old thread hasn't been forgotten, here is my example.

Cheerio,

Roy

[Traist]

Hi Roy, that is a great find. Thank you for sharing. Regards Andrew